For a patient with severely decreased kidney function, what is a likely estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)?

In the context of evaluating kidney function, the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is a crucial metric that helps classify the severity of chronic kidney disease (CKD). For patients with severely decreased kidney function, an eGFR of less than 15 mL/min/1.73² indicates end-stage renal disease (ESRD), which is often the threshold for considering renal replacement therapy, such as hemodialysis or kidney transplantation.

This classification is based on the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines, which stratify kidney function into various stages. A patient with an eGFR below 15 mL/min/1.73² demonstrates a significant impairment of kidney function, meaning that the kidneys are unable to adequately filter blood and remove waste products and excess fluids from the body. This level of impairment requires close monitoring and often leads to the initiation of dialysis.

The other ranges presented represent less severe levels of kidney impairment, with eGFR levels of 30-44, 45-59, and 60-89 mL/min/1.73² corresponding to stages 3 to 2 of CKD, respectively. Therefore, while the conditions associated with those ranges indicate declining kidney function,