Estimation of Glomerular Filtration with Creatinine-based Equations

Abstract

The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is considered as the best overall index of kidney function. The GFR is a crucial component in the evaluation of patients with established chronic kidney disease (CKD). It is also an important tool for screening, diagnosis and staging kidney disease. Several creatinine-based estimation equations are available, and efforts to standardize serum creatinine assays across all laboratories have significantly helped in improving the performance of the equations. While, overall it is unlikely that one single equation will provide a precise and accurate tool to estimate kidney function in all clinical settings, understanding and using these tools in the context of patient care facilitates understanding of its applicability and limitations. This chapter will review the overall concepts of creatinine based estimation equations in various clinical settings.

Keywords: Glomerular filtration rate, Cockcroft, MDRD, CKD-EPI

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