Final answer:
The MDRD formula estimates renal function by considering four variables: serum creatinine, age, gender, and race. These factors help determine the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which is critical in assessing kidney function and diagnosing chronic kidney disease stages.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) study formula is a widely used tool for estimating glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which is a measure of renal function. The MDRD takes into account four key variables to provide an estimation of GFR. These variables are:
- Serum creatinine: A waste product in the blood that comes from muscle activity.
- Age: As renal function can decline with age.
- Gender: Because on average, women have lower GFR than men.
- Race: Certain races, such as African Americans, tend to have different baseline GFR levels.
These factors are combined in a mathematical formula to provide an estimate of the patient’s GFR, which helps in the assessment of kidney function and can indicate stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD).