Which statement best defines chronic kidney disease?

Which statement best defines chronic kidney disease?

• A. eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 for at least 3 months or evidence of kidney damage (albuminuria, abnormal imaging, or abnormal biopsy).
• B. eGFR 60-89 mL/min/1.73 m2 with no evidence of kidney damage
• C. Acute kidney injury with elevated creatinine over days
• D. Renal function normal with incidental hematuria

Answer: (A)

Chronic kidney disease is defined by persistent kidney abnormalities for at least 3 months, either a reduced eGFR below 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or evidence of kidney damage such as albuminuria, abnormal imaging, or an abnormal biopsy. This duration criterion distinguishes chronic disease from acute changes. The statement that eGFR in the 60–89 range is CKD only if there is evidence of kidney damage would not meet the definition if there’s no damage; without evidence of damage, this range is not CKD. Acute kidney injury is a recent, days-to-weeks decline in function, not a chronic condition. Normal renal function with incidental hematuria does not meet CKD unless there is chronic evidence of kidney damage.

Chronic kidney disease is defined by persistent kidney abnormalities for at least 3 months, either a reduced eGFR below 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or evidence of kidney damage such as albuminuria, abnormal imaging, or an abnormal biopsy. This duration criterion distinguishes chronic disease from acute changes.

The statement that eGFR in the 60–89 range is CKD only if there is evidence of kidney damage would not meet the definition if there’s no damage; without evidence of damage, this range is not CKD. Acute kidney injury is a recent, days-to-weeks decline in function, not a chronic condition. Normal renal function with incidental hematuria does not meet CKD unless there is chronic evidence of kidney damage.