Estimation de la fonction rénale chez la personne âgée : comparaison des méthodes et implications cliniques

In clinical practice, renal function is assessed to adjust drug dosage to kidney clearance, and to diagnose and follow up a kidney disease. Glomerular filtration rate is the best indicator of renal function. However, it cannot be directly measured and is estimated from serum or urinary concentration of a filtration marker. Different methods can be used to estimate renal function, each of them displaying specific characteristics and limits that are important to take into account when used in an elderly population. This article will review the different methods frequently used in practice, their performance, limits and clinical implications.