Serum beta-2-microglobulin estimation as an indicator of the glomerular filtration rate.

In 56 patients in whom the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated by the 51Cr-EDTA technique, serum creatinine and beta 2-microglobulin levels were also measured. In the 15 patients with a GFR of greater than or equal to 80 ml/min, both serum creatinine and beta 2-microglobulin levels were within the reference range. However, the beta 2-microglobulin level was elevated (greater than 2,3 mg/l) in all 41 patients with a GFR of less than 80 ml/min, while the serum creatinine level was increased (greater than 133 mumol/l) in only 35 patients. In the remaining 6 patients, the creatinine values ranged from 75 to 125 mumol/l. It would therefore seem that serum beta 2-microglobulin assay is a more sensitive test than creatinine assay for detecting impaired renal function.