What is the primary use of Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) in clinical practice?

The primary use of Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) in clinical practice is to stage chronic kidney disease (CKD). GFR is a measure of how well the kidneys are filtering blood, and it provides critical information about kidney function. In patients with chronic kidney disease, GFR can help determine the extent of kidney damage and severity of the disease by categorizing it into different stages based on the level of kidney function.

Stages of CKD are classified according to GFR values, which allows healthcare providers to tailor treatment plans and monitor disease progression. Lower GFR values indicate worsening kidney function, which is pivotal for deciding on further diagnostic evaluations, interventions, or considering the need for renal replacement therapy, such as dialysis or transplantation.

While hydration status can influence GFR readings, it is not the primary use of this measure. Evaluating liver function and monitoring blood pressure are not directly related to GFR as they involve other assessment metrics and tests specific to liver and cardiovascular health. Thus, GFR serves best in the context of kidney health and chronic kidney disease management.