Estimating glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in diabetes: the performance of MDRD and CKD-EPI equations in patients with various degrees of albuminuria

Clin Biochem. 2012 Dec;45(18):1694-6. doi: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2012.07.115. Epub 2012 Aug 8.

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the performance of Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) and Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study (MDRD) equations in estimating GFR in a large cohort of diabetic patients with various degrees of albuminuria.

Design and methods: In a group of 842 diabetic patients GFR was estimated from standardized creatinine, with MDRD-Study and CKD-EPI equations, and their performance evaluated regarding clinical stages of albuminuria and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Results: Patients with normoalbuminuria had higher eGFR when calculated by CKD-EPI, than MDRD-Study equation [median (IQR): 103 (91-115) vs 97 (85-113)mL/min/1.73 m(2), P=0.006, n=364], which significantly influenced the prevalence of stage 1 CKD [eGFR>90 mL/min/1.73 m(2): 76.7% (CKD-EPI) vs. 65.1% (MDRD-Study), P=0.005]. There were no differences between the eGFR values derived by two equations in patients with micro- and macroalbuminuria, and more advanced staging of CKD.

Conclusion: CKD-EPI equation might be a superior surrogate marker of GFR in patients with normoalbuminuria and hyperfiltration and could be used as a screening tool for early renal impairment in diabetes. It's validity as a marker of progression of diabetic nephropathy merits further investigation.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Albuminuria / complications*
  • Albuminuria / physiopathology*
  • Diabetes Mellitus / physiopathology*
  • Diet*
  • Female
  • Glomerular Filtration Rate / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / complications
  • Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / epidemiology*
  • Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / physiopathology*