Effect of age and sex on glomerular filtration rate measured by 51Cr-EDTA

Abstract

l. The effect of age and sex on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was measured by the 51Cr-EDTA radioisotopic method in 76 normal individuals (43 women and 33 men). 2. Age has a significant effect on GFR. Subjects aged 41 to 60 years have GFR values [104.5 ± 16.5 ml min"1 (1.73 m2)" 1 , N- 43]lower than younger individuals aged 20 to 40 years [116.6 ± 11.2 ml min"1 (1.73 m2 )" 1 , N- 33]. GFR decreases after 40 years of age by approximately 6.0 ml min"1 (1.73 m2)"1 per decade. 3. GFR values in women [105.9 ± 16.0 ml min" 1 (1.73 m2)" 1 , N- 43] were lower when compared to men [114.8 ± 14.3 ml min"1 (1.73 m2)" 1 , N = 33]. 4. We conclude that the effect of sex and age must be taken into account when establishing reference values for GFR.