MDRD GFR Estimator

MDRD GFR Estimator Explanation and Clinical Context The MDRD equation used here is the original four variable model intended to estimate glomerular filtration rate adjusted to a body surface area of 1.73 square meters. The equation requires serum creatinine in mg per dL age in years sex and an indicator for black ethnicity. The formula is eGFR equals 186 times serum creatinine to the power of minus 1.154 times age to the power of minus 0.203 times 0.742 if female times 1.212 if black.

This estimate is widely used for staging chronic kidney disease and for trend monitoring. Clinicians should consider that performance varies at near normal kidney function and that calibration of creatinine assays may influence results. Use clinical judgment when interpreting values for dosing decisions or for diagnosis.

When precise measurement is needed consider measured GFR methods such as inulin clearance or radiolabeled filtration markers. Reference Levey AS et al. A more accurate method to estimate glomerular filtration rate from serum creatinine: a new prediction equation.

Ann Intern Med. 1999;130:461 470.