Automated reporting of GFR--coming soon to a laboratory near you!
BACKGROUND
Serum creatinine concentration is an unreliable and insensitive marker of chronic kidney disease (CKD). To improve CKD detection, Australasian guidelines have recently recommended that laboratories calculate and report an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula with every request for serum creatinine concentration.


OBJECTIVE
This articles aims to provide timely information to health professionals about how to appropriately interpret and act upon eGFR reports. It also discusses the treatments shown to reduce renal and cardiovascular risk in CKD patients, and the indications for nephrologist referral.


CONCLUSIONS
The accuracy and precision of eGFRs are reasonable in most adults in whom calculated values are ENTITY lt 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. However, eGFRs should be interpreted with caution in some settings (particularly patients with eGFRs ENTITY gt 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and children). Automatic laboratory reporting of eGFR will enhance early detection of CKD, allow the timely institution of appropriate reno- and cardio-protective therapies, and better inform decisions regarding the prescription of renally excreted medications.
Johnson
David
D
University of Queensland at Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland. david_johnson@health.qld.gov.au
Usherwood
Tim
T
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D044362:Australasia; D001331:Automation; D002984:Clinical Laboratory Information Systems / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends*; D005194:Family Practice / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005919:Glomerular Filtration Rate; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012016:Reference Values; D012017:Referral and Consultation