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Article

Understanding Renal Failure Mortality Trends and Determinants in the US (1999–2020): Impacts of the Affordable Care Act, Advancements, Disparities, and Challenges

by
Oscar Salichs
*,
Sishir Doddi
,
Taryn Hibshman
,
Jama Hersi
and
Puneet Sindhwani
Department of Urology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Uro 2023, 3(4), 271-281; https://doi.org/10.3390/uro3040027
Submission received: 27 October 2023 / Revised: 4 December 2023 / Accepted: 9 December 2023 / Published: 18 December 2023
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Abstract

:
Introduction: Renal failure, encompassing both acute and chronic forms, stands as a formidable public health challenge with far-reaching consequences for individual well-being and healthcare systems. This study delves into the mortality rates of renal failure in the United States over two transformative decades, from 1999 to 2020. Renal failure’s significance arises from its escalating prevalence, substantial healthcare costs, and the imperative to understand the multifaceted factors that influence its outcomes. Objectives: The primary objectives of this research are to analyze temporal trends in renal failure mortality rates, explore the impact of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and advancements in renal care practices on mortality rates, and assess demographic disparities in mortality outcomes. Methods: Utilizing CDC WONDER’s multi-cause mortality data, we assessed mortality due to renal failure (ICD-10 Codes: N17–N19). Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) were collected and stratified by sex and race. The Joinpoint Regression Program analyzed trends, calculating annual percent change (APC) and significant average annual percent change (AAPC) from 1999 to 2020. Segmented line regression models were employed for parallel pairwise comparisons. Results: Renal failure mortality rates decreased for both sexes during the late 2000s. The ACA’s enactment in 2010 coincided with improved access to healthcare, possibly contributing to the decline. Demographic disparities highlighted variations in mortality rates across racial and gender groups. Advancements in renal care practices were evident, which were driven by innovations in treatment modalities and disease management. Significant temporal trends were observed by race, with varying periods of decrease or uptrend. Conclusions: The decline in renal failure mortality rates during the late 2000s was potentially influenced by the ACA and advances in renal care practices. Demographic disparities emphasize the need for equitable healthcare access and interventions. These findings underscore the significance of healthcare policies and medical advancements in reducing renal failure mortality rates and addressing disparities. Persistent efforts to mitigate challenges such as healthcare access, cost barriers, and disparities remain crucial to enhancing renal failure outcomes.

1. Introduction

Renal failure, a debilitating condition characterized by the loss of kidney function, has long been recognized as a significant health challenge worldwide. Over the years, extensive research has advanced our understanding of the pathology, etiology, and treatment options for renal failure. This research paper aims to analyze the mortality rates of renal failure in the United States from 1999 to 2020, exploring temporal trends, demographic disparities, and the impact of advancements in renal failure management. By delving into the history, pathology, etiology, and treatment landscape of this disease, this study aims to provide valuable insights into the dynamics of renal failure and the factors influencing mortality rates, informing efforts to improve patient outcomes and healthcare delivery.
The history of renal failure dates back centuries, with notable advancements in our understanding of its pathology and treatment. Renal failure encompasses a spectrum of conditions, including acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), each characterized by distinct underlying mechanisms and clinical features [1,2]. Rapid identification and intervention in AKI are critical for mitigating its potentially dire consequences and facilitating recovery relating to renal failure. Additionally, given its insidious onset, CKD poses challenges for early detection and intervention, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of its pathophysiology and risk factors.
The etiology of renal failure is multifactorial, with both intrinsic and extrinsic factors contributing to its development. Intrinsic causes include diseases that directly affect the kidneys, such as glomerulonephritis, diabetic nephropathy, and polycystic kidney disease [3]. Extrinsic causes encompass conditions that affect renal function indirectly, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, autoimmune disorders, and certain medications including antibiotics [3,4]. Understanding the diverse etiological factors is crucial for targeted prevention, early detection, and appropriate management strategies to mitigate the progression of renal failure and reduce associated mortality rates.
Treatment options for renal failure have evolved significantly over the past two decades. From 1999 to 2020, advancements in medical therapies, dialysis techniques, kidney transplantation, and immunosuppression have revolutionized the management of this condition. Pharmacological interventions aimed at controlling blood pressure, managing underlying comorbidities, and slowing the progression of CKD have improved patient outcomes and extended survival rates [5,6]. Therapeutic dialysis, including both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, have provided life-sustaining renal replacement therapy for individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) [7,8]. Kidney transplantation, a definitive treatment modality, offers the best long-term outcomes, enhancing quality of life and reducing mortality rates for suitable candidates [9]. The disparities that exist among measurable variables of renal failure highlight the diverse ways disease affects different patient populations. Furthermore, the significance of studying the mortality rates of renal failure lies in its substantial impact on individuals and healthcare systems. The burden of renal failure extends beyond the affected individuals, impacting families, caregivers, and the broader society. Renal failure places a significant strain on healthcare resources due to the chronic and complex nature of the disease, the need for specialized care, and the excessive cost of treatment [10]. Analyzing mortality rates provides valuable insights into the efficacy of interventions, advancements in treatments, and changes in healthcare policies over time. It enables us to assess the progress made in improving patient outcomes, identify areas of concern, and inform evidence-based interventions to reduce mortality rates associated with renal failure. By conducting a comprehensive analysis of renal failure mortality rates in the United States from 1999 to 2020, this research paper aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge.

2. Methods

The public Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Wide-ranging ONline Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) was used to access multiple cause of death mortality data with ICD-10 Codes: N17–N19 (Acute renal failure, Chronic Renal failure, Unspecified renal failure) from 1999 to 2020. The CDC WONDER uses death certificates to gather data on cause of death, place of death, as well as demographic information. The dataset was queried to gather mortality information due to renal failure of various demographic groups from 1999 to 2020. The age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs), with renal failure as a multiple cause of death, were collected and separated by sex and race. For purpose of this study, the categories for race include the following: Native American or Alaskan Native (AI/AN), Asian or Pacific Islander (AAPI), African American, and White. Ethnicity status is defined as Hispanic/LatinX and non-Hispanic/LatinX. The data collection, analysis, and reporting in this manuscript follow Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) reporting guidelines. Institutional review board (IRB) approval was not required as CDC WONDER uses public deidentified information.
The CDC WONDER database calculates the age-adjusted mortality rate per 100,000 and associated standard error values for mortality due to renal failure in the 1999–2020 time period. AAMRs are calculated by (mortality number/total population) and standardizing the value to the 2000 U.S. Standard Population [11]. Using the Joinpoint Regression Program (Joinpoint V 4.9.0.0, National Cancer Institute), significant trends in mortality rates for each group were calculated by determining the annual percent change (APC) for each year between 1999 and 2020 [12]. Additionally, a significant average annual percent change (AAPC) from 1999 to 2020 was calculated. The program analyzed APC trends for significance using log-linear regression models [13]. APCs (Annual Percent Changes) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated using the Grid Search Method, permutation, and parametric test. Significant differences in trends between groups were calculated using a parallel pairwise comparison, which compares segmented line regression models [14]. Previous literature has used this program to assess trends in mortality rates [15,16,17]. Significance for all tests is set at p < 0.05.

3. Results

3.1. Renal Failure Mortality by Sex

In 1999, the AAMR due to renal failure as a contributing cause of death for men was 89.4 per 100,000, and for women, it was 54.3 per 100,000. In 2020, these values decreased for both groups (Figure 1). In 2020, the AAMR for men was 74.4, and for women, it was 47.0. When assessing overall trends from 1999 to 2020, no significant trends were found. However, men observed a decline in this time frame (AAPC, −1.5% [95% CI, −4% to 1.1%]; p = 0.261), and women also observed a decline (APC, −1.3% [95% CI, −3.4% to 0.8%]; p = 0.227). The parallel pairwise comparison test comparing trends between the two groups found no significant difference. In addition, no significant temporal trends between 1999 and 2020 in mortality rate were found.

3.2. Renal Failure Mortality by Racial Group

Renal failure mortality rates vary among different racial groups. In 1999, the racial group with the highest the AAMR was African Americans with a rate of 128.7 per 100,000 (Figure 2). The AI/AN population had an AAMR of 90.5, the white population had an AAMR of 61.2, and the AAPI population had the lowest observed AAMR of 59.5. Compared to 1999, in the year 2020, the AAMR decreased for all groups. In 2020, the Black/African American group again had the highest observed rate at 96.1 per 100,000, the AI/AN population observed an AAMR of 64.4, the AAPI population observed the lowest rate at 38.4, and the White population observed an AAMR of 55.1. When assessing overall AAPC from 1999 to 2020, only the White population observed a significant trend (AAPC, −1.8% [95% CI, −2.5% to −1.1%]; p < 0.01). A parallel pairwise comparison of mortality rates found no significant difference in AAPC trend between any race groups.
When assessing the temporal trends between 1999 and 2020 by race status, significant trends were found. The AI/AN population observed a significant decrease in AAMR from 1999 to 2012 (APC, −1.3% [95% CI, −2.5% to −0.2%]; p = 0.029) and an uptrend from 2015 to 2020 (APC, 5.3% [95% CI, 0.8% to 10.1%]; p = 0.023). The Black/African American population observed a downtrend from 1999 to 2012 (APC, −1.5% [95% CI, −2.6% to −0.4%]; p = 0.011). The AAPI and White populations observed no significant temporal trends.

3.3. Renal Failure Mortality by Ethnicity

In 1999, the Hispanic/Latinx population had an AAMR of 72.6 per 100,000 due to renal failure (Figure 3). In the same year, the non-Hispanic/Latinx population observed an AAMR of 67.0. In 2020, both groups observed a decrease in mortality rate with the Hispanic/Latinx population observing an AAMR of 60.4 and the non-group observing an AAMR of 58.4. From 1999 to 2020, the Hispanic/Latinx population did not have a significant trend (AAPC, −1.5% [95% CI, −5.1% to 2.2%]; p = 0.42); however, the non-Hispanic/Latinx group observed a significant downtrend (AAPC, −1.9% [95% CI, −2.6% to −1.3%]; p < 0.01). The parallel pairwise comparison test found no difference in AAPC between the two groups. Despite not observing a significant AAPC from 1999 to 2020, the Hispanic/LatinX population observed a significant temporal trend during the time period of this study: an uptrend from 2015 to 2020 (APC, −1.9% [95% CI, −2.6% to −1.3%]; p = 0.02). The non-Hispanic/LatinX population observed no significant temporal trends.

4. Discussion

The observed significant declines in renal failure mortality rates for both sexes during the late 2000s can be attributed to numerous factors, including the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and advancements in renal care practices. The ACA, enacted in 2010, aimed to improve healthcare access and affordability for individuals across the United States. Its provisions, such as expanded insurance coverage, Medicaid expansion, and the elimination of pre-existing condition exclusions, contributed to improved access to healthcare services, including early detection and management of renal failure [18,19].
Beyond its overarching impact on healthcare, the implementation of the ACA heralded a paradigm shift in addressing renal failure mortality, aligning with the Triple Aim of care articulated by the former director for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Donald Berwick [17]. This threefold focus emphasized enhancing the health of populations, improving the overall patient care experience, and concurrently reducing healthcare costs. Specifically, the ACA played a pivotal role in expanding public insurance, notably by broadening eligibility for Medicaid enrollment from 44% to 138% of the federal poverty line [16].
The substantial increase in healthcare coverage facilitated by the ACA has likely yielded multifaceted benefits in the context of renal failure. By extending coverage to a larger segment of the population, the ACA may have contributed to earlier diagnoses and interventions for individuals at risk of renal failure [16,17]. Timely access to preventive care, routine health screenings, and participation in disease management programs could have collectively facilitated the identification and management of renal dysfunction at its nascent stages. This timely intervention has the potential not only to ameliorate patient outcomes but also to curtail mortality rates associated with renal failure [16,17]. From an economic perspective, the ACA’s emphasis on reducing healthcare costs aligns with the imperative to manage the economic burden associated with renal failure [17]. The increased availability of healthcare coverage could lead to a shift in the economics of renal failure management, as early interventions and preventive measures are generally more cost effective than addressing advanced-stage complications. Furthermore, by enhancing access to regular healthcare services, the ACA may have contributed to a reduction in the reliance on costly emergency and acute care services for individuals with renal failure.
Additionally, the decline in mortality rates in the late 2000s can be attributed in part to notable advancements in renal care practices during that period. Progress in renal replacement therapies, particularly innovations in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis techniques, has played a pivotal role in improving patient outcomes [18]. The refinement of these dialysis modalities has likely resulted in more efficient and tailored approaches, contributing to enhanced survival rates. Advancements in the management of comorbidities and complications associated with renal failure have been integral to the overall improvement in patient outcomes [18]. Comprehensive care strategies that address not only the primary renal condition but also the concurrent health issues have become increasingly sophisticated, leading to better control of complications and a reduction in the overall burden of renal failure on patients.
The synergy of advancements in medical technologies and pharmaceuticals has further elevated the standard of care in renal medicine. Continuous innovations in diagnostic tools, treatment modalities, and pharmaceutical interventions have likely translated into more effective and personalized treatments for individuals with renal failure. These advancements may have not only reduced the occurrence of complications but also contributed to the overall improvement in the quality of life for patients undergoing renal care. Ongoing research and development in the field of renal medicine continue to yield new insights and innovations. These may include emerging therapies, advancements in transplantation techniques, and the exploration of regenerative medicine approaches for renal conditions [18]. The dynamic nature of medical research underscores the potential for continuous improvement in renal care practices, further refining patient outcomes and mortality rates over time.
In addition, increased awareness of risk factors, such as hypertension and diabetes, and targeted interventions to address these conditions may have positively influenced renal failure mortality rates [20,21]. Public health initiatives focusing on lifestyle modifications, early detection, and disease management have contributed to better control of these underlying risk factors, potentially reducing the incidence and progression of renal failure [20,21,22]. Public health initiatives may also contribute to cost savings by reducing the overall burden of renal failure on the healthcare system. The early detection and management of risk factors can potentially avert the need for more intensive and costly interventions associated with advanced renal failure stages [17,19,20,21]. Consequently, investing in public health programs that address modifiable risk factors aligns with a preventive healthcare approach, offering both clinical and economic benefits.
While the ACA and advancements in renal care practices likely played significant roles, it is essential to consider other contributing factors that could have influenced the decline in renal failure mortality rates during the late 2000s. These may include improved public health campaigns promoting healthier lifestyles, increased awareness of kidney disease, better adherence to prescribed treatments, and improved overall healthcare quality [22,23,24].
It is worth noting that additional research and data analysis beyond the scope of this study would be required to delve deeper into the specific contributions of each factor and to assess their individual impacts on the observed decline in renal failure mortality rates. Nevertheless, the findings suggest a positive trend and underscore the importance of continued efforts to enhance healthcare access, advance medical interventions, and improve preventive care strategies for renal failure management.
Persistent disparities in renal failure mortality rates have been observed among different racial and ethnic groups in the United States. African Americans and Hispanics especially have consistently exhibited higher mortality rates compared to non-Hispanic Whites [25]. Higher serum creatinine levels have previously been associated with African Americans, which could potentially contribute to these discrepancies [26,27,28]. These disparities can also be attributed to multiple factors, including socioeconomic disparities, limited access to healthcare services, higher rates of comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension, and genetic predispositions [20,21,29,30]. Efforts to address these disparities should involve targeted interventions, such as improving access to quality healthcare, reducing socioeconomic barriers, enhancing health education programs, and promoting the early detection and management of risk factors among vulnerable populations.
Renal failure mortality rates vary significantly across states and regions within the United States. Variations can be attributed to diverse factors such as population density, healthcare infrastructure, socioeconomic conditions, and the availability of specialized care facilities. Regions with higher poverty rates and limited access to healthcare facilities often experience higher mortality rates [31,32,33]. To mitigate these disparities, state-level initiatives should focus on strengthening healthcare infrastructure, increasing the availability of dialysis centers and renal care facilities, implementing preventative measures, and improving access to healthcare services, particularly in underserved areas.
Sex and gender differences play a role in renal failure mortality rates. Historically, men have exhibited higher mortality rates compared to women. This disparity can be attributed to differences in risk factors, including a higher prevalence of hypertension and diabetes among men [34,35]. Hormonal factors such as the protective effects of estrogens in women may also contribute to the observed differences [36]. Recognizing and addressing these disparities is crucial for developing targeted prevention and treatment strategies. Tailored interventions should consider the specific risk profiles and healthcare needs of both men and women to effectively reduce mortality rates associated with renal failure.
Multiple risk factors influence renal failure mortality rates, including hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking, and cardiovascular diseases [20,21]. Age is also a significant factor, as the prevalence of renal failure and mortality rates increase with advancing age [35,37]. The aging population in the United States underscores the importance of proactive measures to manage risk factors and implement early detection and intervention strategies [38]. Encouraging healthy lifestyles, regular screenings for hypertension and diabetes, comprehensive management of comorbidities, and optimizing cardiovascular health are essential for reducing mortality rates associated with renal failure.
Advancements in diagnosing and treating renal failure have contributed to improved outcomes and reduced mortality rates. Early detection through routine screenings, imaging such as ultrasound of the kidneys, and improved understanding of risk factors have enabled timely intervention and management [24]. Additionally, calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) minimization strategies and newer immunosuppressive agents may have improved patient survival rates [23]. Dialysis also remains a reliable option to treat this disease as well [8,39]. The ongoing research and development of novel therapies, including regenerative medicine and precision medicine approaches, hold promise for further advancements in renal failure management. Collaboration between healthcare providers and researchers and participation in clinical trials are critical for enhancing diagnosing and treatment strategies.
Despite notable advancements, several drawbacks need to be addressed regarding renal failure mortality rates. Limited access to healthcare services, especially in underserved communities and rural areas, remains a significant challenge. Health disparities, including racial and ethnic disparities, contribute to unequal outcomes and higher mortality rates [35]. The excessive cost of renal replacement therapies, such as dialysis and transplantation, poses a barrier to optimal care for many individuals. Long wait lists to receive a donated kidney stand as an issue as well [23]. In addressing the multifaceted challenges of renal failure management, it is imperative to underscore the significance of activities directed at increasing the pool of living donors. Encouraging and facilitating living kidney donation not only holds the potential to significantly reduce the protracted wait times associated with receiving a donated kidney but also enables patients in the pre-emptive stage to circumvent the need for renal replacement therapy, thereby optimizing overall patient outcomes [23].
Regrettably, the healthcare systems in the United States are confronted with several challenges that impede the progress of renal failure care. Nephrologists operate within a compensation framework known as Fee-for-Service (FFS), where their remuneration is contingent on the frequency of patient visits, forming an incremental monthly payment structure. The success of a nephrology practice is intricately tied to the patient volume under their care and the efficiency with which that care is administered. However, the predominant FFS model currently in place tends to incentivize the expansion of patient volumes suffering from end-stage renal disease (ESRD) rather than prioritizing the delivery of value-based care in the upstream stages, which could potentially contribute to a reduction in ESRD incident rates [16,17].
Consequently, the provision of ESRD care, along with fees associated with medical directorship responsibilities, collectively constitutes a substantial portion, ranging from 50% to 60% of a nephrologist’s overall income [17]. Notably, outpatient CKD care, which is centered on patients referred by primary care providers, remains embedded within an FFS payment structure that experiences annual erosion in real inflation-adjusted dollars [18,19]. This trend has become increasingly apparent between the years 2011 and 2020 [17]. Despite the existence of defined FFS payment models for outpatient care, the reimbursement falls short of covering the actual costs associated with providing such care. This financial dynamic creates incentives that prompt the cross-subsidization of office-based CKD care using income generated from hospital and ESRD care, underscoring a misalignment in physician incentives [17].
Efforts should focus on developing cost-effective interventions, improving access to care for all populations, enhancing health literacy, and implementing policies that promote equitable healthcare delivery. Further research is needed to identify and address the specific barriers and challenges associated with renal failure management in different populations.

5. Limitations

While this research project has strived for comprehensive and accurate analysis of renal failure mortality rates in the United States from 1999 to 2020, it is important to acknowledge several limitations that may impact the interpretation of our findings. The study relies on data obtained from CDC WONDER, which, while a valuable resource, is subject to potential inaccuracies in death certificates and variations in reporting practices across different states and time periods. These variations could introduce minor discrepancies in the data.
As an observational study using publicly available, de-identified data, our research is inherently limited by the lack of direct access to individual medical records or the ability to conduct prospective assessments. This limitation precludes a more detailed examination of specific clinical factors, comorbidities, or treatment modalities that could provide deeper insights into the observed trends.
Additionally, while we have taken great care to account for demographic factors, including age, sex, race, and ethnicity, as well as the impact of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and advancements in renal care practices, there may be other unmeasured or confounding variables that could influence renal failure mortality rates. Socioeconomic factors, lifestyle variables, regional disparities, and cultural differences, among others, are potential variables that could play a role but were not included in this analysis.
Our research also provides a retrospective view of renal failure mortality rates over a 21-year period. Changes in healthcare policies, healthcare delivery, and treatment practices may have continued to evolve beyond 2020, potentially affecting mortality rates. Future research may be needed to assess the long-term impact of these evolving factors on renal failure outcomes.
In summary, while this research project offers valuable insights into renal failure mortality rates and associated factors, it is imperative to consider these limitations when interpreting the findings. These limitations underscore the complexity of the topic and emphasize the need for ongoing research and data analysis to further enhance our understanding of renal failure and inform strategies for its prevention and management.

6. Conclusions

This research paper has provided a comprehensive analysis of the mortality rates of renal failure in the United States from 1999 to 2020. The findings emphasize the significance of addressing racial and ethnic disparities, geographic variations, sex differences, risk and age factors, and drawbacks associated with renal failure. By understanding these factors, targeted interventions and policy changes can be implemented to reduce inequities, improve patient outcomes, and alleviate the burden of renal failure on individuals and healthcare systems.
This study highlights the need for tailored interventions and policies to address racial and ethnic disparities in renal failure mortality rates. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of considering geographic variations, sex/gender differences, and risk and age factors in the development of interventions and healthcare strategies. Furthermore, advancements in diagnosing and treating renal failure have shown promise in improving outcomes, but challenges such as limited access to healthcare services and high treatment costs persist. Addressing these challenges and continuing research efforts will contribute to reducing mortality rates and enhancing the quality of life for individuals affected by renal failure. Overall, this research provides valuable insights to guide future efforts in renal failure management, aiming to improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of this complex condition.

Author Contributions

O.S.: conceptualization, writing, original draft preparation, visualization, and investigation. S.D.: methodology, software, data curation. T.H.: writing, reviewing and editing. J.H.: reviewing and editing. P.S.: reviewing and editing, supervision. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This project was conducted with the support of no external funding sources. The project was undertaken as part of our academic and research activities at the University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences. The authors declare that no financial grants, stipends, or sponsorships from any external organizations or entities were utilized in the planning, execution, or dissemination of this study. This research is a testament to the dedication of the authors to contribute to the field of healthcare research independently, with no financial interests that could influence the research findings or conclusions.

Institutional Review Board Statement

This research project is guided by a steadfast commitment to ethical principles that ensure the highest standards of research integrity, transparency, and respect for all parties involved. Throughout the planning, execution, and dissemination of this study, we have adhered to ethical considerations that are fundamental to the responsible conduct of research. In line with ethical norms, this study does not involve direct human subjects; instead, it relies solely on publicly available, de-identified data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER). Therefore, the need for informed consent is obviated. The research rigorously maintains privacy and confidentiality standards, complying with all relevant data protection regulations to safeguard individuals’ identities. Transparency is a cornerstone of this research project. We have meticulously described our methodology, data sources, and analytical processes in the research manuscript, ensuring that readers can comprehensively assess the validity and reproducibility of the study’s findings. Furthermore, we emphasize our commitment to scientific impartiality, objectivity, and independence. The authors declare no conflict of interest or external funding that could compromise the study’s integrity, ensuring the research remains unbiased and free from undue influence. This study is dedicated to respecting and acknowledging the diversity of populations and groups involved in renal failure research, particularly in addressing disparities related to race, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status. Upholding the principles of publication ethics, we have diligently avoided plagiarism, data fabrication, and any other unethical practices while ensuring proper citation and acknowledgment of the work of others. Our commitment extends to continuous improvement, and we welcome constructive criticism and peer review. Any potential errors or limitations in the study are openly acknowledged and addressed. Moreover, we recognize the importance of engaging with communities, stakeholders, and relevant organizations to effectively disseminate research findings and ensure that they can drive meaningful improvements in healthcare practices. This statement of ethics underscores our unwavering dedication to upholding ethical principles at every stage of this research project. We prioritize the welfare and rights of individuals, scientific rigor, and the advancement of knowledge in the realm of renal failure research.

Informed Consent Statement

This research project relies on publicly available, de-identified data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) database. As this study involves aggregated data with no direct involvement of human subjects, individual consent is not required. The de-identified nature of the data ensures anonymity, and researchers accessing the CDC WONDER database implicitly acknowledge its public and de-identified status. Interested parties are encouraged to visit the CDC WONDER website https://wonder.cdc.gov/ (accessed on 12 September 2023) for access to the original data and additional information on data sources and methodologies. For any inquiries regarding the use of CDC WONDER data in this study, please contact [email protected].

Data Availability Statement

The data utilized in this research project were obtained from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) database. As publicly available, de-identified data, they can be accessed and retrieved from the CDC WONDER database https://wonder.cdc.gov/ (accessed on the 12 September 2023) by interested parties. We encourage researchers, scholars, and stakeholders who wish to access or analyze the data used in this study to visit the website, where they can explore a wide range of epidemiological and health-related datasets. The authors are not responsible for any discrepancies or changes in data availability on the CDC WONDER platform and recommend consulting the CDC WONDER website for the most up-to-date information and access to the data used in this study.

Conflicts of Interest

The research project described herein was conducted with the primary objective of analyzing renal failure mortality rates in the United States from 1999 to 2020, exploring various factors contributing to these rates. It is important to note that this research was not funded by any external organization or entity, and the authors declare no conflicts of interest related to this study. The data used in this research were obtained from the public Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Wide-ranging online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) database, which contains de-identified information from death certificates. As such, this research involved no direct interaction with human subjects or the collection of personal or identifiable information. Ethical approval was not required for this study, as it used publicly available, de-identified data. The findings presented in this research are based on the available data and statistical analyses conducted, and therefore, additional research may be necessary to explore certain aspects in more detail. Furthermore, the authors affirm their commitment to scientific integrity and impartiality in the presentation and interpretation of the study’s results. This disclosure statement serves to provide transparency regarding the research process and its potential implications.

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Uro 03 00027 g001
Figure 1. AAMR due to renal failure between 1999 and 2020 by sex.
Figure 1. AAMR due to renal failure between 1999 and 2020 by sex.
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Figure 2. AAMR due to renal failure between 1999 and 2020 by race. AAMR per 100,000 between 1999 and 2020 separated by race: American Indian or Alaskan Native (AI/AN), Asian or Pacific Islander (AAPI), Black or African American, and White. Significant trends are APC values with an asterisk.
Figure 2. AAMR due to renal failure between 1999 and 2020 by race. AAMR per 100,000 between 1999 and 2020 separated by race: American Indian or Alaskan Native (AI/AN), Asian or Pacific Islander (AAPI), Black or African American, and White. Significant trends are APC values with an asterisk.
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Figure 3. AAMR due to renal failure between 1999 and 2020 by ethnic status. AAMR per 100,000 between 1999 and 2020 separated by ethnic status. Significant trends are APC values with an asterisk.
Figure 3. AAMR due to renal failure between 1999 and 2020 by ethnic status. AAMR per 100,000 between 1999 and 2020 separated by ethnic status. Significant trends are APC values with an asterisk.
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MDPI and ACS Style

Salichs, O.; Doddi, S.; Hibshman, T.; Hersi, J.; Sindhwani, P. Understanding Renal Failure Mortality Trends and Determinants in the US (1999–2020): Impacts of the Affordable Care Act, Advancements, Disparities, and Challenges. Uro 2023, 3, 271-281. https://doi.org/10.3390/uro3040027

AMA Style

Salichs O, Doddi S, Hibshman T, Hersi J, Sindhwani P. Understanding Renal Failure Mortality Trends and Determinants in the US (1999–2020): Impacts of the Affordable Care Act, Advancements, Disparities, and Challenges. Uro. 2023; 3(4):271-281. https://doi.org/10.3390/uro3040027

Chicago/Turabian Style

Salichs, Oscar, Sishir Doddi, Taryn Hibshman, Jama Hersi, and Puneet Sindhwani. 2023. "Understanding Renal Failure Mortality Trends and Determinants in the US (1999–2020): Impacts of the Affordable Care Act, Advancements, Disparities, and Challenges" Uro 3, no. 4: 271-281. https://doi.org/10.3390/uro3040027

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