MedicineGeriatric MedicineNephrologyAgingGerontologyRenal PathophysiologyAging PhysiologyChronic Kidney DiseaseGlomerular FiltrationRenal DiseaseRenal Function TestsRenal ImpairmentAge-related Renal ClearanceAge-related Renal FunctionGlomerular Filtration AssessmentGlomerular Filtration Rate AssessmentGlomerular Filtration Rate MeasurementSex Differences In Renal Physiology
1. 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.