Date of Award

8-14-2020

Document Type

Restricted Access Thesis

Degree Name

MS in Physician Assistant Studies (PA)

Department

Physician Assistant Studies

First Advisor

Kristen Lindvall

Abstract

Background: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a gradual decline in renal function, characterized by a decrease in an estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and the presence of albumin in urine excretion. Data from the National Health and Nutrition and Examination Survey (NHANES) estimated that in the US, 30 million Americans suffer from CKD.1 The precise num- ber of patients may be higher since the condition is underdiagnosed. The increase in the number of CKD perhaps can be attributed to the lack of early diagnostic practices. Moreover, CKD disproportionately affects minorities such as African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians of disadvan- taged socially economic backgrounds; the scope of this paper focuses on these patient popula- tions. After careful observation and analysis of CKD detection, this thesis asks whether the use of early albuminuria screening and prevention in underserved populations leads to the development of CKD. To do this, it proposes that catching the progression of renal deterioration at any stage of the pathologic process can impede CKD advancement.

Methods: This thesis examines and cross references peer-reviewed literature from PubMed and UpToDate.

Conclusion: Through the proposed method, I conclude that prompt albuminuria screening can detect early CKD for high-risk population, especially for low income African Americans, His- panics, and Asians living with comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.

Identifier

SC 11.PAS.2020.Pin.S

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