Which equation is more commonly used to estimate glomerular filtration rate than Cockcroft-Gault and MDRD?

• A. CKD-EPI
• B. MDRD
• C. Cockcroft-Gault
• D. Schwartz Equation

Answer: (A)

Estimating GFR accurately across the full spectrum of kidney function relies on an equation that reduces bias and improves precision. The CKD-EPI equation was developed to be more accurate than earlier formulas, particularly when GFR is not severely reduced. It uses serum creatinine along with age, sex, and race, and depends on creatinine measurements standardized to IDMS. This makes GFR estimates more reliable across normal to mildly decreased ranges, which is where the older MDRD tends to underestimate GFR, and where Cockcroft-Gault—which estimates creatinine clearance rather than true GFR and incorporates body weight—can be less precise. The Schwartz equation, meanwhile, is designed for children. So the CKD-EPI equation is the preferred choice for estimating GFR in adults today.