Ebert N. [Novel equations for estimating renal function: significance for drug dose adjustment].
Inn Med (Heidelb) 2024;
65:280-285. [PMID:
38252158 DOI:
10.1007/s00108-023-01649-0]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Important therapeutic decisions depend on kidney function, which is why its correct assessment is of great importance. It also plays an important role for drug dose adjustments in patients with impaired kidney function.
OBJECTIVES
In clinical practice, kidney function is almost always estimated using mathematical glomerular filtration rate (GFR) equations. To estimate GFR, the patient's age and gender as well as kidney-specific endogenous biomarkers are required. This work aims to provide an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of the biomarkers serum creatinine and cystatin C in assessing kidney function. Particularly in patients with significantly reduced or increased muscle mass, creatinine is not suitable for determining GFR, and cystatin C should be used. Currently recommended GFR estimating equations are described, illustrating for which patient groups they can be used.
CURRENT DATA
A large number of high-ranking publications are available investigating the validity of GFR estimating equations and the optimal choice of endogenous biomarkers. However, there are still large gaps when it comes to drug approval studies in older patients and children.
CONCLUSION
Estimated GFR (eGFR) is only a rough estimate of kidney function and should not be interpreted as an exact number. Drug dose adjustments may be necessary in patients with an eGFR of < 50 ml/min and should be verified particularly in severely impaired GFR (< 30 ml/min). There are tools available online for this purpose.
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