Glomerular Filtration Rate Estimation in Adults: Myths and Promises

Abstract

Background: In daily practice, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is estimated with equations including renal biomarkers. Among these biomarkers, serum creatinine remains the most used. However, there are many limitations with serum creatinine we will discuss in the current review. We will also discuss how creatinine-based equations have been developed and what we can expect from them in terms of performance to estimate GFR. Summary: Different creatinine-based equations have been proposed. We will show the advantages of the recent European Kidney Function Consortium (EKFC) equation. This equation can be used in children and adults. This equation can also be used with some flexibility in different populations. Key messages: GFR is estimated by creatinine-based equations, but the most important for nephrologists is probably to know the limitations of these equations.

Estimativa da taxa de filtração glomerular na prática clínica: posicionamento consensual da Sociedade Brasileira de Nefrologia (SBN) e Sociedade Brasileira de Patologia Clínica e Medicina Laboratorial (SBPC/ML)

“…As Sociedades Científicas recomendam a substituição das equações anteriormente utilizadas por equações que não discriminam os pacientes pelo critério raça e utilizam apenas os valores de creatinina ou a associação de creatinina e cistatina C. Os estudos de validação já disponíveis demonstram que essas equações são suficientemente precisas e inclusivas 46 .…”

Estimated glomerular filtration rate in clinical practice: Consensus positioning of the Brazilian Society of Nephrology (SBN) and Brazilian Society of Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (SBPC/ML)

“…The Scientific Societies recommend replacing previously used equations with equations that do not discriminate patients based on race criteria and use only creatinine values or the association of creatinine and cystatin C. Validation studies already available demonstrate that these equations are sufficiently accurate and inclusive 46 .…”