A Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) below 15 indicates kidney failure. This level signifies a severely compromised kidney function, requiring interventions like dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Understanding GFR and Kidney Failure
GFR measures how well your kidneys filter blood. A low GFR indicates that your kidneys aren't working as they should. Kidney failure, also known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD), is the final stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
According to the provided reference:
- Stage 5 (eGFR below 15) is a sign of kidney failure. It means you have less than 15% kidney function. This stage is the most serious and can be life-threatening. You will need dialysis (a machine to filter your blood) or a kidney transplant.
Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease and GFR
It's important to understand that kidney disease progresses through stages. GFR is a key indicator used to determine these stages.
| Stage | Description | GFR (mL/min/1.73 m2) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kidney damage with normal or increased GFR | ≥ 90 |
| 2 | Kidney damage with mildly decreased GFR | 60-89 |
| 3a | Moderately decreased GFR | 45-59 |
| 3b | Moderately decreased GFR | 30-44 |
| 4 | Severely decreased GFR | 15-29 |
| 5 | Kidney failure (End-Stage Renal Disease - ESRD) | < 15 |
What Happens When GFR is Below 15?
When GFR falls below 15, the kidneys can no longer effectively:
- Filter waste and excess fluid from the blood.
- Regulate blood pressure.
- Produce red blood cells.
- Maintain bone health.
This leads to a buildup of toxins in the body, causing various symptoms and complications.
Treatment Options When GFR is Below 15
At this stage, treatment options are limited to:
- Dialysis: A process that filters the blood artificially, removing waste products and excess fluid.
- Kidney Transplant: Replacing the failed kidney with a healthy one from a donor.
Importance of Monitoring GFR
Regularly monitoring GFR, especially for individuals at risk of kidney disease (e.g., those with diabetes or high blood pressure), is crucial for early detection and management. Early intervention can help slow the progression of kidney disease and prevent kidney failure.
