What is the most accurate description of stage 5 kidney failure in terms of GFR and dialysis need?

What is the most accurate description of stage 5 kidney failure in terms of GFR and dialysis need?

• A. GFR < 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 (or dialysis)
• B. GFR 15-29 mL/min/1.73 m2 (not yet dialysis)
• C. GFR 30-59 mL/min/1.73 m2
• D. GFR > 60 mL/min/1.73 m2

Answer: (A)

Stage 5 is end-stage kidney disease, defined by a GFR falling below 15 mL/min/1.73 m2. At this level, the kidneys have lost most of their filtering ability, leading to the buildup of waste and fluid, so renal replacement therapy is typically required—most commonly dialysis, with transplantation as another option. The other ranges correspond to less severe stages: 15–29 indicates stage 4, 30–59 stage 3, and above 60 encompasses stage 1–2 CKD where kidney function is closer to normal or there are only signs of damage without severe loss of filtration.

Stage 5 is end-stage kidney disease, defined by a GFR falling below 15 mL/min/1.73 m2. At this level, the kidneys have lost most of their filtering ability, leading to the buildup of waste and fluid, so renal replacement therapy is typically required—most commonly dialysis, with transplantation as another option. The other ranges correspond to less severe stages: 15–29 indicates stage 4, 30–59 stage 3, and above 60 encompasses stage 1–2 CKD where kidney function is closer to normal or there are only signs of damage without severe loss of filtration.