Kidney Week

Abstract: TH-PO0642

Kidney Care Characteristics in the American Indian Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (AI-CRIC)

Session Information

• CKD: Clinical - Guidelines, Biomarkers, Progression, Procedures, Outcomes, and More
  October 22, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
  Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Category: CKD (Non-Dialysis)

• 2202 CKD (Non-Dialysis): Clinical, Outcomes, and Trials

Authors

• Rodriguez Mendez de Sosa, Giselle M., The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States

Giselle M. Rodriguez Mendez de Sosa, MD

• Roe, Taryn Jessica, The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States

Taryn Jessica Roe

• Ghahate, Donica M., The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States

Donica M. Ghahate

• Lachica, Marianne Gale D., The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States

Marianne Gale D. Lachica

• Mejia, Valeria Alejandra, The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States

Valeria Alejandra Mejia

• Leon, Alexander, The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States

Alexander Leon

• Lash, James P., University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States

James P. Lash, MD, FASN

• Hamm, L. Lee, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

L. Lee Hamm, MD

• Chen, Jing, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States

Jing Chen, MD, MS, MSc, FASN

• Pankratz, V. Shane, The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States

V. Shane Pankratz, PhD

• Myaskovsky, Larissa, The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States

Larissa Myaskovsky, PhD

• Shah, Vallabh O., The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States

Vallabh O. Shah, MS, PhD, FASN

• Unruh, Mark L., The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States

Mark L. Unruh, MD, MS, FASN

Background

American Indian populations experience a disproportionate burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) yet remain underrepresented in large CKD cohorts. Limited data exist on baseline kidney care, comorbidity, and access-related factors in this population. The American Indian Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (AI-CRIC) study addresses participants' perceptions of kidney care.

Methods

AI-CRIC is a prospective cohort of American Indian adults with mild-to-moderate CKD recruited from sites in the Southwestern United States. Baseline assessments included kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR], CKD stage (KDIGO), comorbidities, medication use, and selected indicators of kidney care access. Descriptive analyses were performed.

Results

Among 115 enrolled participants, the mean age was 58.8 years, and 57.0% were women. Mean eGFR was 56.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 (SD 20.7), consistent with moderate CKD. 31.3% were aware of their diagnosis over the last year, and 45.3% had seen a nephrologist; 80% did so in the first year after diagnosis. Comorbidities were common, including diabetes (58.8%; mean HbA1c 7.5%), hypertension (66.4%; mean systolic BP 126.6 mmHg), and any cardiovascular disease (20.2%). Overall, 48% reported receiving kidney care recommendations, including lifestyle (76.4%), diet (85.1%), smoking (11.9%), and alcohol (26.2%). Laboratory monitoring was frequent (89.1%), with proteinuria performed in 83.3%. Prescription recommendations were reported by 60%, including avoidance of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (69.7%) and use of antihypertensives (75.8%).

Conclusion

The AI-CRIC cohort reported a low level of awareness and engagement in kidney care. These challenges are further shaped by cultural values, traditional healing practices, and historical experiences that influence health beliefs, trust in healthcare systems, and care-seeking behaviors among American Indian communities. Together, these findings underscore critical opportunities to strengthen CKD detection, enhance education, and provide culturally responsive, community-informed care that honors traditional perspectives while addressing disparities in this high-risk population.

Acknowledgment

Thanks to Linda Son-Stone, from First Nation Clinic, who is a key partner in of the American Indian Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (AI-CRIC) study in New Mexico.

Funding

• NIDDK Support