ASSESSMENT OF RENAL FUNCTION

The serum creatinine concentration should be used to estimate the creatinine clearance or GFR (eGFR), which can be accomplished using the Cockcroft-Gault formula or the modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) study equation, respectively.

Current guidelines recommend that serum creatinine concentration be measured at least once per year in patients with CKD. The frequency should be increased in those with an eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m², loss of >4 mL/min/1.73 m² per year of eGFR, or with risk factors for progression (high level of proteinuria, hypertension, diabetes mellitus).