Using the modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) and Cockcroft and Gault equations to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in older people

Abstract

SIR—Kidney function is typically assessed by measuring the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and the internationally accepted classification of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is largely predicated by GFR [ 1 ]. Part 2 of the Renal National Service Framework [ 2 ] addressed prevention and early detection of CKD and recommended that laboratories report a formula-based estimation of GFR (estimated GFR, eGFR) on requests received for serum creatinine measurement in adults. In April 2006 the Department of Health introduced universal eGFR reporting in England [ 3 ] using the modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) study equation [ 4–6 ]. Simultaneously, the General Medical Services contract's Quality and Outcomes Framework introduced a register of people in primary care with CKD. Other healthcare organisations interested in kidney disease have made similar recommendations and consensus guidelines designed to improve the management of patients with CKD have been promulgated [ 7 , 8 ].