MDRD Calculator
Four-variable MDRD equation for eGFR
Equation & limitations
- Equation
- eGFR = 175 × Scr^−1.154 × age^−0.203 × (0.742 if female) × (1.212 if Black)
- Version
- MDRD Study 4-variable equation, IDMS-traceable creatinine (Levey 2006)
- Source
- Levey AS, et al. Using standardized serum creatinine values in the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease study equation for estimating glomerular filtration rate. Ann Intern Med. 2006;145:247–254.
- Appropriate in
- Adults with chronic kidney disease (derived in CKD patients); less biased in moderate-to-severe CKD than near-normal GFR.
- Limitations
- Systematically underestimates measured GFR at higher values (>60 mL/min). Prefer CKD-EPI 2021 for general use.
- The 1.212 ancestry coefficient comes from the original equation; interpretation of race in clinical algorithms is contested and individualised — treat with caution.
- Not for acute kidney injury, extremes of age or body habitus.
For educational use. Results support, and do not replace, clinical judgement — check them against the patient and local guidelines.