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Updated: Jul 2, 2026
07:07
A High-throughput Method for Measurement of Glomerular Filtration Rate in Conscious Mice
Published on: May 10, 2013
Formula-based estimates of the GFR: equations variable and uncertain.
Pierre Delanaye1, Eric P Cohen
1Department of Nephrology-Dialysis, University of Liège, CHU Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium. pierre_delanaye@yahoo.fr
Nephron. Clinical Practice
|August 19, 2008
Summary
Estimating glomerular filtration rate is crucial for managing chronic kidney disease. Creatinine-based formulas like MDRD are widely used but have limitations in certain populations and analytical precision.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) prevalence necessitates accurate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimation.
- Creatinine-based formulas are the initial step in CKD prevention strategies.
- Cockcroft-Gault and MDRD equations are commonly used by clinicians.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of GFR estimation in CKD.
- To discuss the limitations of commonly used creatinine-based GFR formulas.
- To explore the impact of these limitations on CKD epidemiology and staging.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing creatinine-based GFR formulas.
- Analysis of the applicability of MDRD formulas across different populations.
- Evaluation of analytical limitations affecting formula precision.
Main Results:
- MDRD formulas are not universally applicable, particularly in healthy individuals or those with abnormal weight.
- Analytical imprecision remains a significant limitation, despite creatinine standardization.
- These formula limitations can impact CKD epidemiology and staging accuracy.
Conclusions:
- Physicians should be aware of the limitations of creatinine-based GFR estimation formulas.
- Further research may be needed to refine GFR estimation methods.
- Accurate GFR measurement is essential for effective CKD management and research.
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