From the Guidelines
A glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 47 ml/min/1.73m² corresponds to Stage 3A chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD is categorized into five stages based on GFR values, with Stage 3 being further divided into 3A (GFR 45-59) and 3B (GFR 30-44) 1. With a GFR of 47, this falls into Stage 3A, indicating moderate kidney damage with moderately decreased kidney function. At this stage, patients typically need regular monitoring of kidney function, blood pressure control, and management of any underlying conditions like diabetes or hypertension.
- Medications such as ACE inhibitors or ARBs may be prescribed to protect kidney function and control blood pressure.
- Dietary modifications including sodium, potassium, and phosphorus restriction might be recommended depending on individual lab values. This stage represents an important time for intervention as it precedes more severe kidney damage, and appropriate management can help slow progression to later stages of CKD 1.
From the Research
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Stages
- CKD is defined as a GFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or persistent evidence of kidney damage on imaging, biopsy, or urinalysis that persists for longer than 3 months 2.
- CKD is classified into stages based on estimated GFR, degree of proteinuria, and the cause.
GFR 47 and CKD Stage
- A GFR of 47 mL/min/1.73 m2 falls into stage 3 CKD, as it is between 30 and 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 2, 3.
- Stage 3 CKD is characterized by a moderate decrease in kidney function, and patients with this stage may not exhibit noticeable symptoms.
Management and Progression of CKD
- Management goals for CKD include mitigation of CKD risk factors to slow disease progression, including optimizing management of underlying conditions such as hypertension and diabetes 2.
- The use of renin-angiotensin system blockers, vitamin D supplementation, and other treatments may help slow the progression of CKD 4, 5.
- Predictive models can be used to estimate the risk of progression to kidney failure in patients with CKD, taking into account factors such as age, sex, estimated GFR, and albuminuria 6.