[Measurement and estimation of glomerular filtration rate]

Abstract

Glomerular filtration rate is the best quantitative marker of renal function. It allows diagnosis and classification of severe chronic kidney disease into five stages. Theoretically, the measurement of glomerular filtration rate is based on the calculation of urinary clearance of exogenous substances such as chromium 51-labeled inulin or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid ([⁵¹Cr]-EDTA). In practice, glomerular filtration rate is most often estimated from equations derived from plasma creatinine. This article reviews the range of methods used to measure or approximate glomerular filtration rate and attempts to describe recent developments in this area, including those related to plasma creatinine assay methods, creatinine and cystatin C concentration-derived estimations. Measurement of glomerular filtration rate by the clearance of exogenous tracers is also discussed.

Keywords: CKD-EPI; Chronic kidney disease; Creatinin; Créatinine; Cystatin C; Cystatine C; Débit de filtration glomérulaire; Glomerular filtration rate; MDRD; Maladie rénale chronique.