Understanding glomerular filtration rate

Dr Lawrie Bott

writer

Dr Lawrie Bott

Chief Medical Officer, Southern.IML Pathology

Dr Lawrie Bott

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the best single measure of kidney function. A subnormal GFR is an important early indicator of possible chronic kidney disease. However, it also does not identify the cause. It is also not a ‘catch all’, for example, in early diabetes mellitus, GFR will typically be normal or even increased, due to ‘hyperfiltration’.

Optimal detection and risk stratification of early kidney disease also requires measurement of urine albumin, rather than just eGFR.

PASSWORD RESET

Forgot your password or password not working? Please enter your email address. You will receive an email with the link to set a new password.

Once you confirm you’ve read this article you can complete a Patient Case Review to earn 0.5 hours CPD in the Reviewing Performance (RP) category.

Select ‘Confirm & learn‘ when you have read this article in its entirety and you will be taken to begin your Patient Case Review.

Upcoming Healthed Webcast

Tune in for "Gallbladder – When surgery is or is not needed" lecture

Tuesday 26th May, 7pm - 9pm AEST

Speaker

Dr David Yeo

Specialist Upper GI, Hepatobiliary and Bariatric Surgeon; Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, RPA and St George Hospitals

In this talk, surgeon, Dr David Yeo will answer these and many other real-world questions related to this common condition and provide an update on the latest recommendations for the assessment, investigation and management of gallbladder disease.