Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 3, 2026

5/6th Nephrectomy in Combination with High Salt Diet and Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibition to Induce Chronic Kidney Disease in the Lewis Rat
08:50

5/6th Nephrectomy in Combination with High Salt Diet and Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibition to Induce Chronic Kidney Disease in the Lewis Rat

Published on: July 3, 2013

Kidney function estimating equations in patients with chronic kidney disease

R Hojs1, S Bevc, R Ekart

  • 1Department of Nephrology, Clinic of Internal Medicine, University Medical center Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia.

International Journal of Clinical Practice
|March 16, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Serum cystatin C equations reliably estimate kidney function in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. These cystatin C formulas show higher accuracy than some creatinine-based equations for assessing glomerular filtration rate (GFR).

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Biomarkers
  • Kidney Function Assessment

Background:

  • Current guidelines recommend predictive equations for kidney function assessment over serum creatinine alone.
  • This study evaluates cystatin C-based equations against creatinine-based equations in chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the diagnostic accuracy of serum cystatin C-based equations versus serum creatinine-based equations for estimating glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in CKD patients.
  • To assess the reliability of different GFR estimation formulas.

Main Methods:

  • Seven hundred sixty-four adult CKD patients were enrolled.
  • Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated using three creatinine-based equations (Cockcroft-Gault, MDRD, CKD-EPI) and two cystatin C-based equations.
  • Measured GFR was determined using (51)CrEDTA clearance.

Main Results:

  • Both cystatin C formulas demonstrated higher diagnostic accuracy than the Cockcroft-Gault formula for GFR estimation.
  • Cystatin C formulas showed a statistically significant higher ability to predict GFR above or below 60 ml/min/1.73m² compared to the MDRD formula.
  • All formulas, except the simple cystatin C formula, underestimated measured GFR at a GFR cut-off of 60 ml/min/1.73m².

Conclusions:

  • Serum cystatin C-based equations are reliable markers for estimating GFR in CKD patients.
  • Cystatin C-based equations offer comparable or superior performance to traditional creatinine-based formulas for GFR assessment.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease08:50

Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease

Published on: June 16, 2014

Related Concept Videos

Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Estimation of Glomerular Filtration Rate Based on Serum Creatinine Concentration01:28

Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Estimation of Glomerular Filtration Rate Based on Serum Creatinine Concentration

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) can be estimated from serum creatinine using the modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) formula or the chronic kidney disease–epidemiology collaboration (CKD–EPI) equation. Both methods are widely used in clinical practice to assess kidney function and guide treatment decisions.The MDRD equation does not require weight or height measurements and is normalized to the body surface area of 1.73 m², considered the average adult surface area. This equation is...
Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Dose Adjustments Based on Drug Clearance and Elimination Rate Constant01:25

Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Dose Adjustments Based on Drug Clearance and Elimination Rate Constant

In patients with renal disease, dosage adjustments are necessary to maintain therapeutic plasma drug concentrations and prevent toxicity or subtherapeutic exposure. Renal impairment alters drug pharmacokinetics, especially in conditions like uremia, where changes such as prolonged elimination half-life and altered apparent volume of distribution can significantly affect drug disposition. These changes require careful modification of the dosing regimen to achieve the desired clinical...
Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Measurement of Glomerular Filtration Rate01:25

Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Measurement of Glomerular Filtration Rate

The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a critical indicator of kidney health, reflecting how well the kidneys filter blood. Changes in GFR can signal potential kidney impairment, necessitating accurate measurement methods to monitor kidney function effectively.Various molecules can serve as markers for GFR measurement, with the ideal marker meeting several specific criteria. It must freely filter at the glomerulus, avoid reabsorption or secretion by the renal tubules, remain unmetabolized, not...
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care01:28

Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaborative and comprehensive management. CKD progresses through stages and can lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) if untreated. Interprofessional collaboration and patient education are crucial, enabling patients to manage their health and improve their quality of life.Diagnostic approach for chronic kidney diseaseThe diagnosis of CKD primarily focuses on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which assesses kidney function by measuring how well...
Renal Failure: Dose Adjustments01:11

Renal Failure: Dose Adjustments

In patients with renal impairment, drugs undergo significant changes in their pharmacokinetics, which require dosage adjustments to ensure safe and effective therapy.
Reduced renal clearance and elimination rate are common outcomes of renal impairment. These alterations lead to a prolonged elimination half-life and an altered apparent volume of distribution for drugs. As a result, dosage adjustments are typically necessary to maintain optimal drug levels in the body.
However, dosage adjustments...
Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Measurement of Serum Creatinine Concentration and Clearance01:25

Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Measurement of Serum Creatinine Concentration and Clearance

In healthy individuals, serum creatinine levels remain stable due to a balance between its constant production—primarily from muscle metabolism—and renal excretion. Creatinine is freely filtered by the glomeruli, making it a valuable marker for estimating renal function. When the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) decreases, the kidneys can only eliminate less creatinine, causing serum levels to rise.Serum creatinine concentration is widely used to estimate creatinine clearance (Clcr), a...