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Comparative Study
. 2013 Aug;62(2):253-60.
doi: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2013.03.013. Epub 2013 Apr 22.

Trends in the prevalence of reduced GFR in the United States: a comparison of creatinine- and cystatin C-based estimates

Morgan E Grams  1 , Stephen P Juraschek, Elizabeth Selvin, Meredith C Foster, Lesley A Inker, John H Eckfeldt, Andrew S Levey, Josef Coresh
Affiliations
Comparative Study

Trends in the prevalence of reduced GFR in the United States: a comparison of creatinine- and cystatin C-based estimates

Morgan E Grams et al. Am J Kidney Dis. 2013 Aug.

Abstract

Background: The US prevalence of reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) based on serum creatinine level increased during the decade ending in 2002. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cystatin C measurements recently were calibrated to the international standard, allowing for an independent test of the trend in prevalence of reduced eGFR using cystatin C level.

Study design: Cross-sectional surveys performed during 2 periods.

Setting & participants: Nationally representative subsamples of adult participants from NHANES III (1988-1994) and the NHANES 1999-2002 surveys.

Predictor: Survey period.

Outcomes: Prevalence of reduced GFR, defined as eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m² based on levels of serum creatinine, cystatin C, or both (eGFRcr, eGFRcys, and eGFRcr-cys), using estimating equations developed by the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI).

Measurements: Serum cystatin C level, measured from stored samples in 2006, calibrated to the international standard in 2012.

Results: Between 1988-1994 and 1999-2002, the prevalence of reduced eGFRcr, eGFRcys, and eGFRcr-cys increased from 4.7% (95% CI, 4.1%-5.3%) to 6.5% (95% CI, 5.9%-7.1%) (P < 0.001), from 5.5% (95% CI, 4.6%-6.5%) to 8.7% (95% CI, 7.5%-10.0%) (P < 0.001), and from 4.4% (95% CI, 3.7%-5.2%) to 7.1% (95% CI, 6.2%-8.0%) (P < 0.001), respectively. The higher prevalence of reduced GFR in the later period was observed in all subgroups of age, race, sex, and GFR categories. After adjusting for changes in the US population by age, sex, race, diabetes, hypertension, and body mass index, prevalence ratios of reduced GFR in the later versus earlier survey were 1.24 (95% CI, 1.09-1.45), 1.34 (95% CI, 1.15-1.67), and 1.33 (95% CI, 1.17-1.65) using eGFRcr, eGFRcys, and eGFRcr-cys, respectively.

Limitations: Likely underascertainment of persons with GFR <15 mL/min/1.73 m²; GFR was estimated and not measured; comparability of laboratory assays based on a calibration subsample.

Conclusions: The prevalence of reduced eGFRcys in the US civilian noninstitutionalized population increased between 1988-1994 and 1999-2002, confirming the increase observed in the prevalence of reduced eGFRcr.

Keywords: Cystatin C; chronic kidney disease; estimating equations; prevalence.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Prevalence of reduced eGFR by survey period, estimating equation, and subgroups of sex, race, and age
Figure 2
Figure 2
Distribution in eGFR in the United States by survey period: (A) eGFRcr, (B) eGFRcys, (C) eGFRcr-cys
Figure 3
Figure 3
Comparison of GFR classification in combined surveys: (A) eGFRcr-cys vs. eGFRcr; (B) eGFRcys vs.eGFRcr
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

References

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