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 marke