The glomerular filtration rate represents the volume of fluid filtered from the kidney glomerular capillaries into the Bowman’s capsule per unit time. This rate is a crucial indicator of kidney function, reflecting the efficiency with which the kidneys filter waste products from the blood. It is typically measured in milliliters per minute (mL/min) and is adjusted for body surface area.
Assessment of this physiological metric is essential for diagnosing and monitoring kidney diseases, guiding treatment decisions, and predicting the progression of renal dysfunction. Monitoring its change over time can reveal early signs of kidney damage, even before other symptoms appear. Accurate estimation is vital because it directly impacts the dosing of certain medications that are cleared by the kidneys, ensuring patient safety and therapeutic efficacy. Historically, measurement involved cumbersome and invasive procedures; modern methods, including estimations based on serum creatinine levels, offer simpler and more accessible means of assessment.
