Glomerular Filtration Rate Decline and increased Serum Creatinine Concentration in Abia State University Teaching Hospital Aba

Abstract

Glomerular filtration Rate (GFR) is essentially the most reliable index of kidney function in health. A decrease in GFR is a pointer to decline in Kidney function and persistent or progressive GFR decline is a specific diagnostic criterion for chronic kidney disease (CKD). In defining CKD, we consider GFR of less than 60ml/min/1.73m² for three months or more. Markers of Kidney function test assess the normal function of kidneys. These markers may be biochemical or

even radioactive. They assist in measuring GFR, as well as the concentrating and diluting property (tubular function) of kidneys. One of such biochemical markers is Serum Creatinine.

An increase or decrease in the serum level of these biomarkers can be of help in determining the efficiency of kidney function. Endogenously produced creatinine is an accepted biomarker of kidney function. It is produced from the metabolism of skeletal muscle creatine. It is released into the plasma in a stable rate in normal subjects, and freely filtered at the glomerulus. However, creatinine is secreted into the urine in the proximal tubule which can occasionally overestimate GFR by 10- 20 %.A number of GFR estimating equations have been developed to overcome some of the limitations of estimating GFR from serum creatinine. The CG equation (Cockcroft Gault) was developed in 1973 and is used widely.  A new equation Modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) study equation was developed in 1999 and has since been validated in a number of populations. The MDRD equation was used in estimating GFR in this study.