An eGFR of 42 mL/min/1.73 m2 should be interpreted as what?

An eGFR of 42 mL/min/1.73 m2 should be interpreted as what?

• A. This test requires a 24-hour urine collection.
• B. The patient does not have chronic kidney damage, based on these results.
• C. The test result is invalid because body surface area was not calculated.
• D. The result is significantly low and should be followed up.

Answer: (D)

eGFR reflects how well the kidneys are filtering waste from the blood. Normal values are around 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 or higher, so an eGFR of 42 indicates a substantial reduction in filtration and places kidney function in the chronic kidney disease range. This is a significant finding that warrants follow-up to determine if CKD is present and to assess its stage and progression. The result isn’t invalid due to not calculating body surface area, since eGFR is already normalized to a standard body surface area. However, a single low eGFR does not by itself diagnose CKD; CKD is defined by reduced function persisting for at least three months or by evidence of kidney damage. Therefore, the appropriate next steps are to repeat the eGFR to confirm persistence, assess for albuminuria, and address risk factors (such as blood pressure and diabetes) with consideration of referral if CKD is confirmed or thought to be progressing.

eGFR reflects how well the kidneys are filtering waste from the blood. Normal values are around 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 or higher, so an eGFR of 42 indicates a substantial reduction in filtration and places kidney function in the chronic kidney disease range. This is a significant finding that warrants follow-up to determine if CKD is present and to assess its stage and progression. The result isn’t invalid due to not calculating body surface area, since eGFR is already normalized to a standard body surface area. However, a single low eGFR does not by itself diagnose CKD; CKD is defined by reduced function persisting for at least three months or by evidence of kidney damage. Therefore, the appropriate next steps are to repeat the eGFR to confirm persistence, assess for albuminuria, and address risk factors (such as blood pressure and diabetes) with consideration of referral if CKD is confirmed or thought to be progressing.