Effect of Reporting Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) often is diagnosed late in the course of disease, after opportunities for early intervention are lost. To promote earlier diagnosis, many hospital laboratories report estimated glomerular filtration rate (EGFR) alongside serum creatinine results. To assess the effect of this practice, Canadian investigators tracked nephrology referrals (initial visits) and CKD diagnoses for 17 months before, and 29 months after, routine reporting of EGFR began in Alberta. An EGFR <60 mL/minute/1.73 m² generated a report that contained a statement about the accuracy of EGFR compared with serum creatinine determination, the definition of CKD, and guidelines for referral of patients with EGFR <30 mL/minute/1.73 m².

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