Understanding the principles of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimation is critical to clinical practice and research. A recent article by Levey et al in AJKD discusses the physiology of glomerular filtration, and the application of GFR estimation for clinical care and public health. The following questions will test your knowledge on this important topic:

1. According to Levey et al, the determinants of single nephron GFR include:

A. Hemodynamic factors within the glomerular capillary network

B. Hydraulic properties of the capillary wall

C. Neither of these two principles

D. Both A and B

2. For patients over age 65 with low serum creatinine, the MDRD equation tends to:

A. Underestimate GFR

B. Overestimate GFR

C. Provides estimate within range of true GFR

D. None of the above

3. What is the preferred GFR estimation equation for use in morbid obesity individuals?

A. MDRD equation

B. CKD EPI (creatinine)

C. Cockcroft Gault

D. None of the above

 4. Cystatin C is a low molecular weight protein filtered at the glomerulus and metabolized by the tubules. Which of the below factors have been shown to affect cystatin C levels independent of GFR?

A. Hyperthyroidism

B. Hypothyroidism

C. Steroid use

D. Advanced age

E. All of the above

Post prepared by Dr. Matthew Sparks, eAJKD Advisory Board Member.

To see answers, please click here.

To view the article full-text or PDF (freely available), please visit AJKD.org.