
Chronic kidney disease when a person suffers from gradual and usually permanent loss of kidney function over time. The kidney function is lost over months or several years. It is best when the disease is diagnosed at an early stage as early intervention may help to slow down the progress of the disease.
With loss of kidney function there is an accumulation of water, waste and toxic substances in the body that are usually excreted by the kidneys. The loss of kidney function also causes other health problems such as anemia, high blood pressure, acidosis, bone disease and abnormal levels of cholesterol and fatty acids.
The stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD), are determined by the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR). Glomerular filtration rate is a calculation that determines how well the blood is filtered by the kidneys. It is one of the ways to measure kidney function.
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is calculated using a formula that includes a person’s age, gender, race and serum creatinine levels. A GFR under 60 mL/min/1.73 m² indicates kidney disease. The lower the GFR number, the worse the kidney function. Chronic kidney disease is defined as either kidney damage or GFR of less than 60 for longer than 3 months.
Kidney Disease Stage |
GFR |
Description |
Management |
Stage 1 |
90 or above |
Kidney damage with normal or high GFR |
– The cause of kidney damage will be identified and treatment will be begun. |
Stage 2 |
60 – 89 |
Kidney damage with slightly lower GFR |
– The doctor will estimate how quickly the kidney disease is progressing |
Stage 3 |
30 – 59 |
Kidney damage with moderately low GFR |
– You will be checked by the doctor for anemia and bone disease and begin treatment |
Stage 4 |
15 – 29 |
Kidney damage with severely low GFR |
– You will have to decide along with your doctor as to what treatment you will prefer if kidney failure develops |
Stage 5 |
<15 |
Kidney failure |
– You will have to start dialysis or have a kidney transplant. |