On Tuesday, June 26, 2018, there will be a change for University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) calculation.  The equation for estimating eGFR will shift from the MDRD to the CKD-EPI equation.

The following are key points on this transition:

• The CKD-EPI equation estimates GFR from serum/plasma creatinine, age, sex, and race.  CKD-EPI is the method recommended by the National Kidney Foundation for estimating GFR in adults, as it is more accurate than the MDRD equation.   (See https://www.kidney.org/content/ckd-epi-creatinine-equation-2009 for more details)


• The CKD-EPI equation will be used to estimate eGFR for all creatinine measurements determined at the UIHC core laboratory (whether ordered alone or as part of a chemistry panel such as Basic Metabolic Panel), in the Iowa River Landing laboratory, and in point of care settings.


• The results will show the eGFR for both African-Americans and non-African-Americans.  This is a change from previous practice in which eGFR utilized self-reported race in the demographics in Epic. The screenshot below is how this looks in Results Review in Epic:

        

• The calculated GFR values will be reported up to 90 mL/min/1.73 m2.  Values greater than 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 will be reported as “> 90”.


• There is no change in the creatinine assay methodology.  However, all creatinine measurements will have a comment that eGFR changed to CKD-EPI equation on June 26, 2018.

Questions should be directed to Matthew Krasowski, MD, PhD, medical director of Clinical Chemistry (384-9380, matthew-krasowski@uiowa.edu) or Christie Thomas, MD, medical director of the Kidney Transplant Program (356-4216, christie-thomas@uiowa.edu).