The Kidney Failure Risk Equation is a risk prediction tool recommended by NICE for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3a-5 (eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73m2) to assess the risk of an individual needing kidney replacement therapy in the next five years. The five-year predictions may be used in primary care to counsel patients regarding referral to secondary care.
KFRE should be calculated at least on an annual basis in patients with CKD, but more frequently with more advanced disease.
To estimate the risk of kidney replacement therapy, the four-variable KFRE uses age, sex, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine albumin:creatinine ratio (ACR).
Please refer to NICE NG203 for further information and guidance.
Additional information
Please use online calculator which is available at kidneyfailurerisk.co.uk and enter the lab reported urine ACR and eGFR, results should ideally be within 1 month of each other and no more than 6 months apart. The tool will provide you with a 2 year and 5 year risk calculation. KFRE should only be calculated when eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73m2
Turn around
To be calculated in primary care
Collection Con
N/A – see additional information.
Reference Range
Refer adults (M & F) with CKD for specialist assessment if they have >5% 5 year risk of needing kidney replacement therapy (NICE NG203).