Validated clinical instruments with primary-source citations
NephrologyRenalClinical Decision RuleOpen Access / Terms Apply

eGFR (2021 CKD-EPI)

Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (2021 CKD-EPI Creatinine Equation)

Classifies Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) stages G1 through G5 and adjusts drug dosages.

3 items·Estimated time: ~1 min·Evidence references below
Clinical Formula Calculator

eGFR (2021 CKD-EPI) Parameters

mg/dL
years

Required for the 2021 race-free CKD-EPI equation baseline physiological constants.

About the eGFR (2021 CKD-EPI)

Race-free equation recommended by NKF and ASN to estimate renal glomerular filtration rate from serum creatinine.

Scoring Methodology & Interpretation

The eGFR (2021 CKD-EPI) uses a validated formula algorithm with predefined clinical cutoffs established in peer-reviewed derivation and validation cohorts:

Score RangeSeverity ClassificationClinical Interpretation
90 – 160Stage G1: Normal or HighNormal kidney filtration function.
60 – 89Stage G2: Mildly DecreasedCommon in healthy older adults.
45 – 59Stage G3a: Mildly to Moderately DecreasedDiagnostic of CKD if sustained for greater than 3 months.
30 – 44Stage G3b: Moderately to Severely DecreasedSignificant chronic renal impairment.
15 – 29Stage G4: Severely DecreasedAdvanced chronic kidney disease.
0 – 14Stage G5: Kidney FailureEnd-stage kidney disease / kidney failure.

Clinical Pearls & Considerations

  • The 2021 CKD-EPI formula eliminates the race coefficient to provide equitable, physiology-based renal assessment.
Copyright & Intellectual Property Attribution:

Developed by Inker LA et al. (NEJM 2021) under ASN & NKF joint task force guidance.

License: Open Access / Clinical Guideline Formula
Clinical Disclaimer & Scope of Use

This instrument is designed for educational, informational, and clinical reference purposes. Screening scores do not constitute a definitive medical diagnosis. Individual clinical management must integrate full diagnostic history, physical examination, and laboratory data by a licensed healthcare professional.

  • Inaccurate in acute kidney injury, extreme body size/amputees, or individuals following strict vegan diets or taking creatine supplements.
  • Cystatin C-based equations should be considered when creatinine-based eGFR is suspected to be discordant with true GFR.

Evidence & Primary Literature Citations

  1. Key Validation Study
    New Creatinine- and Cystatin C-Based Equations to Estimate GFR without Race.
    Inker LA, Eneanya ND, Coresh J, et al. N Engl J Med. 2021;385:1737-1749.

Related Validated Instruments