The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation is a crucial measure of kidney function. It estimates how well the kidneys are filtering waste products from the blood. The MDRD equation incorporates variables like serum creatinine, age, gender, and race to estimate GFR. It's widely used in clinical practice for assessing kidney function and guiding treatment decisions in conditions like chronic kidney disease (CKD) and kidney failure.

Chronic Kidney Disease.

The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation typically ranges as follows: Normal eGFR: 90 to 120 milliliters per minute per 1.73 square meters (mL/min/1.73m²). eGFR indicating decreased kidney function (CKD): Less than 60 mL/min/1.73m² for three months or more. eGFR values below 15 mL/min/1.73m² may indicate kidney failure, necessitating renal replacement therapy. Range (ml/min/1.73m2) 1 >90 2 60-89 3 30-59 4 15-29 5 <15 A normal eGFR range is 60 or more. The EGFR of an individual is calculated, keeping factors like age, gender, ethnicity, creatinine levels, height and weight in mind.

If an individual has a GFR range of higher than 60, it means that over 60% of their kidneys are functioning properly. If your GFR range stays below 60 for over three months, then it could be a cause for concern. There are five stages. Each stage can depict what your EGFR results mean. Stage 1 In this stage, the EGFR of a person is 90 or above. It indicates mild kidney damage, but overall the kidneys are functioning well. Stage 2 The EGFR in this stage is between 60 and 89. It indicates an increase in kidney damage compared to stage 1, but the kidneys continue to function optimally. Stage 3 The EGFR range is between 30 and 59 in this stage which means an individual has decreased kidney function. People start to experience symptoms in this stage. Stage 4 This stage with an EGFR range of 15-29 points towards severe kidney damage. Stage 5 The EGFR range in this stage is below 15. It means that either the kidneys have failed or are close to failing. It is a life-threatening phase. In adults, the ideal GFR range is above 90. With age, the EGFR range tends to diminish. The average estimated EGFR for adults between 20-30 is 116. On the other hand, it is 75 for adults over the age of 70. While the EGFR test can diagnose kidney problems, the test doesn’t reflect injuries to the kidney. The EGFR test is conducted along with other tests. A repeat EGFR test may be recommended by the doctor after 90 days to determine if a patient has CKD. Some follow up-tests that can happen after an abnormal EGFR test report are urinalysis, CT scan and kidney biopsy.