Reference values for 51Cr-EDTA clearance as a measure of glomerular filtration rate

Reference values for glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were defined using eight reports including epidemiological studies and studies in kidney donors. Studies using both inulin and 51Cr-EDTA were included. GFR decreased with age, by 4 ml/min decade below the age of 50, and 10 ml/min decade above 50 years of age. No sex difference was found. +/- 2 SD was equal to 25 ml/min at all ages. Based on these findings a nomogram for GFR is presented. Emphasis is given to the use of plasma clearance of 51Cr-EDTA estimated with single injection technique as the new reference method for GFR measurement.