MDRD Equation:
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The MDRD (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease) equation estimates glomerular filtration rate (GFR) from serum creatinine, age, sex, and race. It was developed to provide a more accurate assessment of kidney function in patients with chronic kidney disease.
The calculator uses the MDRD equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation uses power functions to model the inverse relationship between serum creatinine and GFR, with adjustments for demographic factors that influence muscle mass and creatinine production.
Details: The MDRD equation revolutionized kidney function assessment by providing a standardized method for estimating GFR from routinely available laboratory data, enabling earlier detection and staging of chronic kidney disease.
Tips: Enter serum creatinine in mg/dL, age in years, select gender and race. All values must be valid (creatinine > 0, age between 1-120). The calculator provides eGFR in mL/min/1.73m².
Q1: What is the difference between MDRD and CKD-EPI equations?
A: MDRD is more accurate in patients with established CKD, while CKD-EPI performs better at higher GFR levels and is less likely to misclassify individuals with normal or mildly reduced kidney function.
Q2: When was the MDRD equation developed?
A: The MDRD equation was developed in 1999 based on data from the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease study.
Q3: What are the limitations of the MDRD equation?
A: Less accurate in healthy individuals, elderly patients, extremes of body size, and populations not represented in the original study cohort.
Q4: Is MDRD still used clinically?
A: While many laboratories have transitioned to CKD-EPI, MDRD remains in use and is still valuable for tracking kidney function over time in established CKD patients.
Q5: How does race affect the MDRD calculation?
A: The race multiplier accounts for observed differences in muscle mass and creatinine generation between Black and non-Black populations.