Related Experiment Videos
Estimating the glomerular filtration rate. Dos and don'ts for assessing kidney function
G Manjunath1, M J Sarnak, A S Levey
1New England Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, USA.
Postgraduate Medicine
|January 15, 2002
Summary
Estimating glomerular filtration rate (GFR) using prediction equations is crucial for assessing kidney function. Relying solely on serum creatinine is insufficient for accurate kidney disease evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Kidney function assessment is vital for managing chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- Current guidelines emphasize the importance of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) over serum creatinine alone.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the National Kidney Foundation's recommendations for assessing kidney function.
- To highlight the utility of prediction equations for estimating glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
Main Methods:
- Utilizing prediction equations incorporating serum creatinine, age, gender, race, and body size for GFR estimation.
- Recommending specific equations for adults (MDRD, Cockcroft-Gault) and children (Schwartz, Counahan-Barratt).
Main Results:
- Estimated GFR (eGFR) from prediction equations is the best index of kidney function.
- Serum creatinine alone is inadequate for assessing kidney function.
- Timed urine collections for creatinine clearance do not improve eGFR estimates compared to prediction equations.
Conclusions:
- Clinical laboratories should report eGFR alongside creatinine measurements.
- Calibration of serum creatinine assays using international standards is recommended.
- 24-hour urine collections are useful for specific populations with atypical dietary intake or muscle mass.