Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)

The glomerular filtration rate describes the flow rate of the filtered fluid through the kidney. Various formulas are available to calculate the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which is central to the assessment of kidney function.

The CKD-EPI formula was published in 2009 and is considered the most reliable formula. The Cockcroft-Gault calculation takes weight into account and helps to estimate renal function in patients with sarcopenia or who are underweight.

Creatinine

Age

years

Body weight

Sex

Male Female

Black race

Yes No

CKD-EPI

ml/min/1.73m²

MDRD

ml/min/1.73m²

Cockcroft-Gault

ml/min

Interpretation

eGFR (ml/min/1.73m²)	Category	Interpretation
≥ 90	G1	Normal renal function
60-89	G2	Mildly decreased renal function
45-59	G3a	Mildly to moderately decreased renal function
30-44	G3b	Moderately to severely decreased renal function
15-29	G4	Severely decreased renal function
< 15	G5	Kidney failure

References

Levey AS, Stevens LA, Schmid CH et al. A new equation to estimate glomerular filtration rate. Ann Intern Med 2009; 150: 604-612
Levey AS, Bosch JP, Lewis JB et al. A more accurate method to estimate glomerular filtration rate from serum creatinine: a new prediction equation. Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study Group. Ann Intern Med 1999; 130: 461-470
Levey AS, Coresh J, Greene T et al. Using standardized serum creatinine values in the modification of diet in renal disease study equation for estimating glomerular filtration rate. Ann Intern Med 2006; 145: 247-254
Cockcroft DW, Gault MH. Prediction of creatinine clearance from serum creatinine. Nephron 1976; 16: 31-41
KDIGO. Summary of Recommendation Statements. Kidney international supplements 2013; 3: 5-14