From the Guidelines
A Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) of 36 mL/min/1.73m² indicates Stage 3B chronic kidney disease (CKD). This falls within the broader Stage 3 CKD, which is divided into two subcategories: Stage 3A (GFR 45-59) and Stage 3B (GFR 30-44) 1. At this stage, the kidneys have moderate damage and are functioning at about one-third to one-half of normal capacity.
Key Considerations for Stage 3B CKD
- Regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is necessary, typically every 3-6 months.
- Patients should focus on:
- Controlling blood pressure (target usually below 130/80 mmHg).
- Managing diabetes if present (maintaining HbA1c below 7%).
- Following a kidney-friendly diet (moderately restricted sodium, potassium, and phosphorus).
- Avoiding nephrotoxic medications like NSAIDs.
- The reduced GFR indicates that the kidneys are struggling to filter waste products efficiently from the blood, which can lead to complications such as anemia, bone disease, and increased cardiovascular risk if not properly managed 1.
Importance of Early Intervention
Early intervention at this stage can help slow progression to more advanced kidney disease. The classification of CKD stages, including Stage 3B, is based on the level of kidney function, as measured by GFR, and is crucial for determining the appropriate management and treatment plan 1.
Management and Treatment
The management of Stage 3B CKD involves a comprehensive approach that includes lifestyle modifications, medical therapy, and regular monitoring to prevent or delay the progression of kidney disease and its complications 1.
From the Research
Kidney Disease Stage with a GFR of 36
- A Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) of 36 is associated with stage 3B chronic kidney disease (CKD) 2.
- Stage 3 CKD is typically divided into two subgroups: stage 3A (eGFR 45-59 ml/min/1.73 m²) and stage 3B (eGFR 30-44 ml/min/1.73 m²) 2.
- Patients with stage 3B CKD have a higher risk of adverse renal and cardiovascular outcomes compared to those with stage 3A CKD 2.
- The prevalence of stage 3 CKD in the general population is approximately 6.2%, with a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in this group 3.
- The lifetime risk of developing CKD stage 3a+ (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m²) is high, with approximately one-half of the cases developing after 70 years of age 4.
Characteristics of Stage 3B CKD
- Stage 3B CKD is characterized by a GFR of 30-44 ml/min/1.73 m² 2.
- Patients with stage 3B CKD are at a higher risk of progressing to stage 4 or 5 CKD, with a higher risk of adverse renal and cardiovascular outcomes 2, 5.
- The degree of albuminuria, stage 3 subgroup, and microscopic hematuria are important risk factors for progression of stage 3 CKD 2.