New Renal Function Equations and Their Application in Practice_Online

This enduring material will address the challenge of inconsistent kidney function assessment by clarifying when to use various GFR estimation equations, including those incorporating cystatin C, for accurate and clinically meaningful results. By enhancing clinicians’ knowledge and competence in applying these tools, the activity aims to improve medication dosing, risk stratification, and patient-specific decision-making across the interprofessional care team.

Target Audience

Pharmacist

Learning Objectives

  • Compare, contrast, and apply GFR estimation equations (e.g., CKD-EPI, Cockcroft-Gault) for renal drug dosing
  • Evaluate the strengths and limitations of using cystatin C in estimating glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
  • Assess the role of electronic medical record (EMR) decision support tools in optimizing renal dosing
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.00 ACPE Pharmacy
    The UPMC Center for Continuing Education in the Health Sciences is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a Provider of continuing pharmacy education.
  • 1.00 Attendance
Course opens: 
03/02/2026
Course expires: 
03/02/2027

Dr. Victoria Williams provides a lecture on the updated literature comparing and contrasting different equations to measure renal function with a focus on medication dosing. Additionally, her lecture discusses new equations to measure renal function and how they are used in practice. 

Course Directors:

  • Ryan Rivosecchi, PharmD, BCCCP - Clinical Specialist Pharmacist, Cardiothoracic Intensive Care, UPMC Presbyterian Hospital  

  • Lindsey Stramara, PharmD, BCPPS - Senior Pediatric Clinical Pharmacist Specialist - Critical Care & General Pediatrics, UPMC Harrisburg Hospital  

Presenter:  Victoria L. Williams, PharmD, BCCCP - The Ohio State University Assistant Professor – Clinical Specialty Practice Pharmacist – Critical Care

Planning Committee:

  • Heather Sakely, PharmD -  Director, Ambulatory Pharmacy Services, UPMC
  • Carly Gabriel, PharmD, BCACP - Clinical Pharmacist Specialist, Ambulatory Care at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital 
  • Andreea Temelie, PharmD, BCPP -  Psychiatric Clinical Pharmacist, UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital 
  • Christine Ruby-Scelsi, PharmD - Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacy and Therapeutics and Division of Geriatric  Medicine, Schools of Pharmacy and Medicine, University of Pittsburgh
  • Amanda Abernathy, CPhT - Pharmacy Technician Training Coordinator UPMC
  • Michael Geishauser, PharmD, BCPS - Clinical Pharmacist, Family Medicine, UPMC Altoona  

CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURE
No members of the planning committee, speakers, presenters, authors, content reviewers and/or anyone else in a position to control the content of this education activity have relevant financial relationships with any companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT

The information presented at this CME program represents the views and opinions of the individual presenters, and does not constitute the opinion or endorsement of, or promotion by, the UPMC Center for Continuing Education in the Health Sciences, UPMC / University of Pittsburgh Medical Center or Affiliates and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.  Reasonable efforts have been taken intending for educational subject matter to be presented in a balanced, unbiased fashion and in compliance with regulatory requirements. However, each program attendee must always use his/her own personal and professional judgment when considering further application of this information, particularly as it may relate to patient diagnostic or treatment decisions including, without limitation, FDA-approved uses and any off-label uses.

In support of improving patient care, the University of Pittsburgh is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Pharmacy (CPE)

This knowledge-based activity provides 1.0 contact hours of continuing pharmacy education credit.

Available Credit

  • 1.00 ACPE Pharmacy
    The UPMC Center for Continuing Education in the Health Sciences is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a Provider of continuing pharmacy education.
  • 1.00 Attendance
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