The rate of chronic kidney disease among blacks is similar to that of other Americans, but it's more likely to progress to kidney failure among blacks. The lifetime incidence of kidney failure among blacks is 8.6 percent, compared with 3.5 percent for other Americans. The reasons for this difference aren't known.

In this study, researchers used a simulation model of chronic kidney disease progression to determine if rates of common risk factors for chronic kidney disease, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, could explain why blacks have a higher lifetime incidence of kidney failure.

The increased risk was not fully explained by the risk factors, but was linked to faster progression of chronic kidney disease during the later stages of the disease.

The researchers also concluded that using a urine test to screen blacks for kidney disease is cost-effective at either five- or 10-year intervals, particularly for those with diabetes or high blood pressure. The screening could lead to earlier treatment that might prevent kidney failure.

About 26 million adults in the United States have chronic kidney disease. In 2009, kidney failure affected more than 571,000 U.S. adults and cost more than $42 billion.