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Multiple Choice

End-stage renal disease is associated with what percentage of nephron loss?

End-stage renal disease occurs when most of the nephron population has been lost, roughly nine-tenths. As nephrons disappear, the remaining nephrons try to compensate by increasing filtration in a process called hyperfiltration, but this can only go on for so long. When about 90% of nephrons are gone, the remaining functioning units can’t maintain a sufficient GFR, falling below about 15 mL/min/1.73 m2, which defines ESRD and typically requires dialysis or transplant. Losing 75% or 50% of nephrons still leaves enough filtration capacity to avoid ESRD, placing the condition in earlier CKD stages rather than end-stage.

End-stage renal disease occurs when most of the nephron population has been lost, roughly nine-tenths. As nephrons disappear, the remaining nephrons try to compensate by increasing filtration in a process called hyperfiltration, but this can only go on for so long. When about 90% of nephrons are gone, the remaining functioning units can’t maintain a sufficient GFR, falling below about 15 mL/min/1.73 m2, which defines ESRD and typically requires dialysis or transplant. Losing 75% or 50% of nephrons still leaves enough filtration capacity to avoid ESRD, placing the condition in earlier CKD stages rather than end-stage.