In a study comparing equations that assess glomerular filtration rate and the risk of mortality and ESRD, a team of researchers have found that a newer equation, CKD-EPI, may prove more beneficial than the current standard, MDRD. Data from 1.1 million adults from 40 countries showed that CKD-EPI more accurately predicted risk of death and kidney failure in people with chronic kidney disease. CKD-EPI and MDRD use the same variables of age, sex, race and serum creatinine, but apply different coefficients. With the CKD-EPI equation, fewer people were classified as having CKD. 92% of labs currently use MDRD, despite the fact that the equation misdiagnoses elderly people, women, and people with less muscle mass who do not have kidney disease. MDRD may also pass over patients with real kidney disease who happen to have low serum creatinine levels and a higher GFR. Though the authors of the study believe CKD-EPI is more reliable and could prove helpful in preventing and treating CKD, they say better filtration markers besides serum creatinine are still needed.
Sources:
Comparison of Risk Prediction Using the CKD-EPI Equation and the MDRD Study Equation for Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate, Journal of the American Medical Association, May 9, 2012
LA BioMed’s Dr. Kalantar-Zadeh: Risk Prediction Equation for Death/End Stage Renal Disease, Eureka Alert, May 8, 2012