Pharmacy Clinical Pearl of the Day: Kidney Disease Stages

Clinical Pearl of the Day: Kidney disease stages

Kidney disease has 5 stages: Stage 1, 2,3 (a,b), 4, 5

Explanation:

• The lower the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), the lower the stage, the worse it is.
• Patients below GFR 50 (below stage 3a) must be evaluated for possible medication dose adjustments.
• Patients with GFR below 15 end up on dialysis.
• GFR above 90 is normal.

Reference:

Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) | National Kidney Foundation