How Measuring Glomerular Filtration Rate? Comparison of Reference Methods

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is considered as the best way to assess global renal function (Gaspari et al., 1997; Stevens & Levey, 2009). Even if GFR estimations (based on creatinineor cystatin C-based equations) are most often used (see Table 1)(Cockcroft & Gault, 1976; Levey et al., 1999; Levey et al., 2006; Levey et al., 2009), measuring “true” GFR is still important in clinical practice, especially in particular patients (Delanaye et al., 2011a; Delanaye & Cohen, 2008; Stevens & Levey, 2009). In this chapter, we will review the different markers which can be considered as reference methods to measure GFR. Before moving to clinical trials, we have to recall the physiological characteristics of an ideal GFR marker.