An overview of non-invasive methods for transcutaneous measurements of glomerular filtration

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects 10% of the population worldwide. It often leads to poor quality of life, especially among people suffering from end-stage CKD. Detection and treatment of the renal disorders at an early stage can help in postponing of end-stage disease as well as its treatment options, such as renal transplant and dialysis. The current routine measurement of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) includes methods that are expensive, cumbersome, time-consuming, inaccurate, often inconvenient and invasive for the patients. Non-invasive diagnostic techniques can help to overcome many of these drawbacks. This paper reviews the progress made in the field of transcutaneous GFR measurement as a way for a simpler, non-invasive, cheaper, and patient-friendly assessment of renal function. We have discussed the various markers designed in combination with different measurement devices for the measurement of GFR. Also, we have compared the different kinetic models used to study the marker's clearance from the plasma; which ultimately helps in calculating the GFR. Most of these techniques have been limited to pre-clinical studies until now, with promising results for their transition into clinical use in the near future.