NKF/ASN Joint Task Force on Use of Race in eGFR

In a late summer press release, the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) and the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) announced the formation of a joint task force that will focus on the use of race to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR). According to the release, “The use of race in the estimation of GFR is a vital concern to kidney health professionals, patients, and others who work in  healthcare. NKF and ASN are committed to ensuring that clinicians provide the best, most equitable care for each patient.”

“This joint task force will incorporate concerns of the patients, the public, and kidney professionals as it examines the scientific and ethical issues relative to use of race in eGFR,” Holly Mattix-Kramer, MD, MPH, president of NKF said.

Anupam Agarwal, MD, FASN, president of ASN, added, “Together, NKF and ASN are committed to ensuring that eGFR provides an unbiased assessment of kidney function.”

The task force is expected to issue its initial recommendations late this year. NKF and ASN plan to establish an eGFR Advisory Board to review and comment on the draft recommendations prior to finalization.