Renal insufficiency is associated with what percentage of nephron loss?

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Multiple Choice

Renal insufficiency is associated with what percentage of nephron loss?

Renal function is maintained by a large reserve of nephrons, with remaining nephrons able to hyperfiltrate to compensate for loss. This compensatory mechanism keeps the GFR relatively normal until a substantial portion of nephrons are lost. When about three-quarters of nephrons are destroyed or lost, the remaining nephrons can no longer meet the body's needs, and the overall GFR falls enough to produce renal insufficiency. In other words, roughly 75% nephron loss marks the point at which renal function becomes inadequate, whereas greater loss (around 90% or more) pushes toward end-stage renal disease.

Renal function is maintained by a large reserve of nephrons, with remaining nephrons able to hyperfiltrate to compensate for loss. This compensatory mechanism keeps the GFR relatively normal until a substantial portion of nephrons are lost. When about three-quarters of nephrons are destroyed or lost, the remaining nephrons can no longer meet the body's needs, and the overall GFR falls enough to produce renal insufficiency. In other words, roughly 75% nephron loss marks the point at which renal function becomes inadequate, whereas greater loss (around 90% or more) pushes toward end-stage renal disease.

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