Which of the following GFR ranges corresponds to Stage IV chronic kidney disease?

Stage IV chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined by a significantly decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR), specifically in the range of 15 to 29 mL/min. This stage indicates that the kidneys are severely impaired, leading to considerable accumulation of waste products in the body and an increased risk of complications.

At this stage, patients are often symptomatic and may experience issues such as anemia, bone disease, and electrolyte imbalances. It is crucial for clinical management to focus on delaying progression to end-stage renal disease and preparing for potential renal replacement therapy, including dialysis or kidney transplantation.

The other GFR ranges correspond to different stages of CKD:

• A GFR of 60-89 indicates Stage II, where kidney damage may be present but with a moderately reduced kidney function.

• A GFR of 30-60 suggests Stage III, characterized by further decline in kidney function but with patients often being asymptomatic.

• A GFR below 15 indicates end-stage renal disease (Stage V), where kidney function is minimal, and patients typically require dialysis or transplantation for survival.

Thus, understanding these distinctions is critical for the management and prognosis of patients with chronic kidney disease.