Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) as endogenous marker of renal function--a meta-analysis.
Level 2 - randomized trial
Meta-analysis of observational correlational and diagnostic studies
PubMed 16766542 · doi:10.1093/ndt/gfl292
What was done
Authors searched MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library (1970 to February 2006) and scanned reference lists to identify studies assessing the correlation between symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) and renal function. Correlation coefficients (R) between 1/SDMA and clearance estimates as well as between SDMA and serum creatinine were extracted and pooled using random-effects meta-analysis.
What was found
In 18 studies involving 2,136 patients: - SDMA correlated strongly with inulin clearance: R = 0.85 (95% CI 0.76–0.91, P < 0.0001). - SDMA correlated with combined clearance estimates: R = 0.77 (95% CI 0.65–0.85, P < 0.0001). - SDMA correlated with serum creatinine: R = 0.75 (95% CI 0.46–0.89, P < 0.0001).
Why it matters
SDMA demonstrates a strong correlation with measured glomerular filtration rate (inulin clearance), highlighting its potential as an endogenous biomarker for kidney function assessment.
Limits
The abstract does not report patient demographics, underlying clinical conditions, specific assay methods, or diagnostic accuracy metrics such as sensitivity and specificity. The analysis evaluated correlation rather than diagnostic utility or patient outcomes.
Cited by
- supports Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) serves as a biomarker for kidney filtration capacity and inulin clearance.