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A High-throughput Method for Measurement of Glomerular Filtration Rate in Conscious Mice
Published on: May 10, 2013
Creatinine and glomerular filtration rate: evolution of an accommodation
1Hypertension, Nephrology, Dialysis, and Transplantation Clinic, Auburn University, Building 21, 121 N. 20th Street, Opelika, AL 36801, USA. hndt512@bellsouth.net
Annals of Clinical Biochemistry
|February 3, 2007
Summary
Creatinine is a convenient but imperfect measure of kidney function. Its accuracy is affected by factors like diet and medication, necessitating careful clinical interpretation beyond simple serum values.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Creatinine has historically served as a convenient biomarker for assessing renal function.
- Its widespread use stems from historical convenience rather than superior accuracy compared to other markers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the historical application of creatinine in evaluating kidney function.
- To highlight the limitations and influencing factors of creatinine as a marker for glomerular filtration rate.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on the historical use and evolving understanding of creatinine as a renal function marker.
- Analysis of the physiological factors influencing the relationship between serum creatinine and glomerular filtration rate.
Main Results:
- Creatinine's utility is limited by a complex interplay of physiological factors, including disease, medications, diet, and diurnal variations.
- Current reliance on single-point serum creatinine measurements and equations may exacerbate inaccuracies by not accounting for these variables.
Conclusions:
- While convenient, creatinine's accuracy as a sole indicator of glomerular filtration is compromised by numerous confounding variables.
- Clinical practice should acknowledge these limitations and consider a broader context when interpreting serum creatinine levels to avoid misdiagnosis.
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