Validation of estimated glomerular filtration rate equations for Japanese children

The gold standard for evaluation of kidney function is renal inulin clearance (Cin). However, the methodology for Cin is complicated and difficult, especially for younger children and/or patients with bladder dysfunction. Therefore, we developed a simple and easier method for obtaining the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using equations and values for several biomarkers, i.e., serum creatinine (Cr), serum cystatin C (cystC), serum beta-2 microglobulin (β₂MG), and creatinine clearance (Ccr). The purpose of the present study was to validate these equations with a new data set.

To validate each equation, we used data of 140 patients with CKD with clinical need for Cin, using the measured GFR (mGFR). We compared the results for each eGFR equation with the mGFR using mean error (ME), root mean square error (RMSE), P₃₀, and Bland-Altman analysis.

The ME of Cr, cystC, β₂MG, and Ccr based on eGFR was 15.8 ± 13.0, 17.2 ± 16.5, 15.4 ± 14.3, and 10.6 ± 13.0 ml/min/1.73 m², respectively. The RMSE was 29.5, 23.8, 20.9, and 16.7, respectively. The P₃₀ was 79.4, 71.1, 69.5, and 92.9%, respectively. The Bland-Altman bias analysis showed values of 4.0 ± 18.6, 5.3 ± 16.8, 12.7 ± 17.0, and 2.5 ± 17.2 ml/min/1.73 m², respectively, for these parameters.

The bias of each eGFR equation was not large. Therefore, each eGFR equation could be used.