Lang J, et al. - Researchers analyzed the links between serum albumin concentration and longitudinal kidney function decline by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in a cohort of well-functioning, bi-racial, community-dwelling elders between the age of 70 and 79 years (the Health Aging and Body Composition Study). They assessed cystatin C-based eGFR at baseline, Year 3 and Year 10 and estimated linear eGFR decline, rapid kidney function decline defined as >30% decrease in eGFR. They found a strong and independent association of lower serum albumin levels with kidney function decline in elders. This link was observed independent of clinical risk factors, urine albumin and measured inflammatory markers.