What is Chronic Kidney Disease

Creatinine is a product of muscle breakdown. Since this is a very steady process, and since creatinine is filtered and eliminated by the kidney, it is a good marker of kidney function

However, the creatinine levels vary with muscle mass. The MDRD (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease) Study equation was developed from a study of low protein diets in kidney patients. Accurate measurements of kidney function were required, and radiolabelled glomerular filtration results were compared with age, race, gender and creatinine.

When the glomerular filtration rate falls, it indicates the presence of decreased kidney function - and may indicate kidney disease

The National Kidney Foundation K/DOQI Clinical Practice Guidelines have defined chronic kidney disease as follows:

  • Chronic kidney disease is defined as either kidney damage or GFR < 60 cc/min/1.73m2 for ≥ 3 months.
  • Kidney damage is defined as pathologic abnormalities or markers of damage, including abnormalities in blood or urine tests or imaging studies

Source:NKF/KDOQI Clinical Practice Guidelines for Chronic Kidney Disease>