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Schwartz Formula

Estimate GFR in children ages 1–18 years. CKD-EPI and Cockcroft-Gault are validated for adults only.

Indication

  • Estimate GFR in children ages 1–18 years. CKD-EPI and Cockcroft-Gault are validated for adults only.

Criteria

  • id: height; label: Height (cm); type: number; placeholder: e.g. 120
  • id: creat; label: Serum creatinine (mg/dL); type: number; placeholder: e.g. 0.6
  • id: age; label: Age (years); type: number; placeholder: e.g. 8

Clinical pearls

  • Creatinine in children is lower than adults due to smaller muscle mass — a Cr of 1.0 in a small child is significant impairment
  • The bedside Schwartz (k=0.413) works for all children regardless of age or sex
  • For neonates and infants <1 year, GFR estimation is unreliable — consult nephrology

Source and review

  • Schwartz GJ et al. J Am Soc Nephrol 2009. Last reviewed: 2025-01-01