Determination of plasma creatinine (Pcr) should be associated to an estimation of glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Pottel et al. established a height-independent equation, eGFR = 107.3/(Pcr/Q) where Q is the median of Pcr (Pottel–Belgium). The aims were to 1) determine a local height-independent equation (Pottel–Lyon), 2) evaluate the performance of these equations compared to the Schwartz 2009 and Schwartz–Lyon equations, and 3) evaluate the height-independent equations in laboratory routine. Therefore, 1) all first pediatric Pcr determination (December 2009–June 2011) were collected, and median of Pcr was determined for each 1-year age interval (Q-Lyon), 2) GFR was measured (mGFR) in 359 children (438 measures) and compared to eGFR, and 3) all first Pcr determination (January 2012–June 2013) were used to calculate eGFR with the Pottel–Lyon and the Pottel–Belgium equations. Pcr was determined by an IDMS-standardized enzymatic assay. In the population with a mGFR, the Pottel–Lyon and the Schwartz–Lyon showed the best performance (bias, P10 and P30). However, the performance in identifying patients with a mGFR < 75 mL/min/1.73 m2 was similar for all the studied equations.
Conclusion: The performance of the height-independent and dependent equations to identify mild renal dysfunction is similar. The height-independent Pottel equation could be proposed as an excellent screening tool for kidney disease when height information is not available. “What is Known:” • Determination of plasma creatinine in children is rarely associated to an estimation of glomerular filtration rate due to the lack of height information. • Pottel et al. developed a height-independent equation (eGFR = 107.3/(Pcr/Q) where Q is the median of Pcr for each age class. “What is New:” • The performance of the height-independent (Pottel) or height-dependent (Schwartz) equations is similar to identify renal dysfunction (GFR < 75 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) in children. • The height-independent Pottel equation could be an excellent screening tool for kidney disease in a general pediatric laboratory when height information is not available.