Comparison of Two Creatinine-Based Equations for Predicting Decline in Renal Function in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Nephropathy in a Korean Population

Aim. To compare two creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) equations, the chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration (CKD-EPI) and the modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD), for predicting the risk of CKD progression in type 2 diabetic patients with nephropathy. Methods. A total of 707 type 2 diabetic patients with 24 hr urinary albumin excretion of more than 30 mg/day were retrospectively recruited and traced until doubling of baseline serum creatinine (SCr) levels was noted. Results. During the follow-up period (median, 2.4 years), the CKD-EPI equation reclassified 10.9% of all MDRD-estimated subjects: 9.1% to an earlier stage of CKD and 1.8% to a later stage of CKD. Overall, the prevalence of CKD (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) was lowered from 54% to 51.6% by applying the CKD-EPI equation. On Cox-regression analysis, both equations exhibited significant associations with an increased risk for doubling of SCr. However, only the CKD-EPI equation maintained a significant hazard ratio for doubling of SCr in earlier-stage CKD (eGFR ≥ 45 mL/min/1.73 m2), when compared to stage 1 CKD (eGFR ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73 m2). Conclusion. In regard to CKD progression, these results suggest that the CKD-EPI equation might more accurately stratify earlier-stage CKD among type 2 diabetic patients with nephropathy than the MDRD study equation.