There is an overwhelming burden of type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal failure in Indigenous Australians. In this high risk population, it is vital that we are able to accurately measure kidney function. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the best overall marker of kidney function. However, differences in body build and body composition between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians suggest that estimates of GFR derived for European populations may not be appropriate for Indigenous Australians. The burden of kidney disease is borne disproportionately by Indigenous Australians in central and northern Australia, with significant heterogeneity amongst these groups, thus differences in body build and body composition likely also affect the accuracy of GFR between different Indigenous groups. By assessing kidney function in these high risk Indigenous Australian populations from Northern Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia, we aim to determine a validated and practical measure of GFR suitable for use in all Indigenous Australians. The eGFR Study is a multi-centre study recruiting adult Indigenous Australian participants across 5 strata of health, diabetes status and kidney function.

More information about the study can be found below.

• eGFR Study: Accurately measuring kidney function in Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
• Study Protocol - Accurate assessment of kidney function in Indigenous Australians: aims and methods of the eGFR Study
• Understanding body shape and body composition in Indigenous Australians - November edition of CDU newsletter

• Torres News 23 September 2009.  Ground-breaking kidney research at TI Hospital
• Koori mail September 2009.  Participants sought for kidney research