Geographic Variation in CKD Prevalence and ESRD Incidence in the United States: Results From the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study

Background It is not known whether geographic differences in the prevalence of chronic kidney disease exist and are associated with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) incidence rates across the United States. Study Design Cross-sectional and ecologic. Setting & Participants White (n = 16,410) and black (n = 11,109) participants from across the continental United States in the population-based Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study. Predictor Geographic region, defined by the 18 networks of the US ESRD Network Program. Outcomes & Measurements Albuminuria, defined as albumin-creatinine ratio ≥30 mg/g, and decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), defined as