Evaluation of glomerular filtration rate in infants

In the present study we investigated if inulin with single injection technique and capillary blood sampling can be used to determine glomerular filtration rate. Inulin single injection clearances using both venous and capillary samples were compared to standard inulin clearance (constant infusion) and to the clinical routine method, i.e. 51Cr-EDTA clearance. Good agreement was obtained between these different methods and it is concluded that the inulin single injection clearance is a reliable method for GFR estimation. Especially in children this method is recommended as capillary blood samples can be used and thus the high doses of radioactivity necessary for a 51Cr-EDTA capillary method can be avoided.