Usage of Glomerular Filtration Rate and Creatinine Clearance Calculators in the Practice of Family Physician

Renal function indicators in the work of a family doctor are calculated in order to find out the dysfunction, signs of disease progression or recovery and are very important for the choice of drug dosage. A number of formulas have been developed to calculate GFG, but the most acceptable to use are: glomerular filtration rate (MDRD formula) and creatinine clearance (“Cockcroft – Gault” formula) calculators. These are derived, indirect methods for determining renal function. Using the “Cockcroft – Gault” formula, renal function is assessed not only by serum creatinine, but also by factors that determine muscle mass (age, body weight, sex). Another, more recent formula is called the MDRD formula (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease), which, unlike the “Cockcroft – Gault” formula, does not calculate weight