Which of the following is a criterion for severe CKD?

Which of the following is a criterion for severe CKD?

• A. eGFR 28 mL/min/1.73 m2
• B. Hemoglobin 11 g/dL
• C. Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio 150 mg/g
• D. Potassium 4.5 mEq/L

Answer: (A)

Severe CKD is determined mainly by how well the kidneys are filtering, which is reflected by the eGFR. An eGFR of 28 mL/min/1.73 m2 falls into CKD stage 4 (approximately 15–29), a level considered severe because the kidneys’ filtration capacity is markedly reduced and planning for advanced care is often needed. The other values can be seen in the context of CKD, but they don’t define stage. A hemoglobin of 11 g/dL indicates anemia that commonly accompanies CKD but doesn’t itself set severity. A urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio of 150 mg/g shows albumin leakage and kidney damage, which signals risk but isn’t the criterion for labeling CKD as severe. A potassium level of 4.5 mEq/L is within the normal range and does not indicate severity.

Severe CKD is determined mainly by how well the kidneys are filtering, which is reflected by the eGFR. An eGFR of 28 mL/min/1.73 m2 falls into CKD stage 4 (approximately 15–29), a level considered severe because the kidneys’ filtration capacity is markedly reduced and planning for advanced care is often needed.

The other values can be seen in the context of CKD, but they don’t define stage. A hemoglobin of 11 g/dL indicates anemia that commonly accompanies CKD but doesn’t itself set severity. A urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio of 150 mg/g shows albumin leakage and kidney damage, which signals risk but isn’t the criterion for labeling CKD as severe. A potassium level of 4.5 mEq/L is within the normal range and does not indicate severity.