Table 2

Physiologic markers of renal function

Specific for
Measurable
Acceptable?1
Realistic/time-related?2

GFR
PAH
No
No

Creatinine
Yes
Yes

Creatinine clearance
2-hour: yes
Yes


24-hour: yes
No

BUN
Yes
Yes

Inulin clearance
Yes
No

Iohexol/iopromide
Yes
Yes

Iothalmate
Yes
Yes

I131-MAG
Yes
No

Cr52-EDTA
Yes
No
Renal blood flow
Angiography
Yes
No

Indicator dilution (thermal or PAH)
Yes
No

BOLD MRI
Yes
No

Ultrasound
Yes
Yes
Tubular function
Urine output
Yes
Yes

Input-output balance
Yes
Yes

Urinalysis
Yes
Yes

FeNa
Yes
Yes

Osmolality
Yes
Yes

Creatinine (U/P)
Yes
Yes

Tubular proteins
No
No

1The term 'acceptable' refers to the consensus view that each one of these tests represents a marker that reflects the function being measured with sufficient specificity and sensitivity for experimental and clinical use. 2The term 'realistic' refers to consensus of the current feasibility of using such markers in clinical practice. BOLD, blood oxygenation level dependent; BUN, blood urea nitrogen; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging; PAH, para-aminohippuric acid; U/P, urine/plasma.

Bellomo et al. Critical Care 2004 8:R204   doi:10.1186/cc2872