Renal Function

CKD-EPI GFR (2021)

Estimate GFR using the 2021 race-free CKD-EPI creatinine equation for CKD staging.

When to use: CKD-EPI 2021 is the recommended equation for GFR estimation in clinical practice and CKD staging (KDIGO guidelines). Use it to classify CKD stage, determine timing of nephrology referral (G4 or persistent G3b with progression), guide medication dose adjustment, and assess eligibility for contrast-enhanced imaging. The 2021 race-free version removed the race coefficient to eliminate structural bias in estimation.

Calculator

Age(years)

Serum Creatinine(mg/dL)

Biological Sex

MaleFemale

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Formula

Male (Scr ≤0.9): 141 × (Scr/0.9)^−0.411 × 0.993^age Male (Scr >0.9): 141 × (Scr/0.9)^−1.209 × 0.993^age Female (Scr ≤0.7): 144 × (Scr/0.7)^−0.329 × 0.993^age Female (Scr >0.7): 144 × (Scr/0.7)^−1.209 × 0.993^age Stages: G1 ≥90 | G2 60–89 | G3a 45–59 | G3b 30–44 | G4 15–29 | G5 <15 mL/min/1.73m²

Key Points for NEET PG

KDIGO CKD staging uses GFR (G1–G5) + albuminuria (A1–A3) — both components are required for complete staging.
CKD definition: GFR <60 or markers of kidney damage (proteinuria, haematuria, structural abnormality) persisting >3 months.
Most common cause of CKD in India: diabetic nephropathy, followed by hypertensive nephrosclerosis — frequently tested in medicine MCQs.
eGFR <60 for >3 months is mandatory for CKD diagnosis; eGFR 60–89 alone is NOT CKD without other markers.
CKD-EPI is more accurate than MDRD, especially at higher GFR values (>60 mL/min); MDRD underestimates GFR in normal range.

References

Inker LA et al. New Creatinine- and Cystatin C-Based Equations to Estimate GFR without Race (CKD-EPI 2021) · N Engl J Med (2021)

KDIGO 2012 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease · Kidney Int Suppl (2013)

For educational purposes only. Not for clinical decision-making without professional oversight.

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