Reference glomerular filtration rate levels in Japanese children: using the creatinine and cystatin C based estimated...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nephrology
• Biomarkers of Renal Function
• Clinical Chemistry

Background:

• Establishing accurate reference values for glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in children is essential for diagnosing and managing kidney diseases.
• Previous GFR equations may not fully capture age-specific variations in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine age-specific reference values for GFR in Japanese children.
• To utilize novel estimated GFR (eGFR) equations based on serum creatinine (Cr) and cystatin C (cysC).

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 1137 children (3 months to 16 years) without renal disease was analyzed.
• eGFR was calculated using Cr-based equations for ages 2-16 years and cysC-based equations for ages 3-23 months.
• Reference GFR values were determined for distinct pediatric age groups.

Main Results:

• Median reference GFR values varied across age groups, ranging from 91.7 mL/min/1.73 m² (3-5 months) to 113.1 mL/min/1.73 m² (18 months-16 years).
• The study reported the median, 2.5th, and 97.5th percentiles for GFR in each age bracket.

Conclusions:

• Normal reference values for GFR in children were successfully determined.
• These established values are vital for pediatricians in evaluating pediatric chronic kidney disease and ensuring normal renal function assessment.