Stages of chronic kidney disease
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Consensus Meter
Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Overview of Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a progressive condition characterized by the gradual loss of kidney function over time. It is a significant global health issue, associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD), premature mortality, and decreased quality of life . CKD is often asymptomatic in its early stages, making early detection and intervention crucial for preventing adverse outcomes .
Classification of CKD Stages
The classification of CKD is primarily based on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and the presence of kidney damage markers such as albuminuria. The National Kidney Foundation's Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (K/DOQI) has established a five-stage system to categorize the severity of CKD .
Stage 1: Kidney Damage with Normal or Increased GFR
- GFR: ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73 m²
- Description: Kidney damage is present, often indicated by proteinuria (albumin-creatinine ratio > 30 mg/g) or other markers, but GFR remains normal or high .
- Prevalence: Approximately 3.5% globally.
Stage 2: Kidney Damage with Mild Decrease in GFR
- GFR: 60-89 mL/min/1.73 m²
- Description: Mild reduction in kidney function with evidence of kidney damage .
- Prevalence: Around 3.9% globally.
- Significance: Stage 2 is considered a critical tipping point where significant molecular changes, such as inflammation and tissue regeneration, become pronounced.
Stage 3: Moderate Decrease in GFR
- GFR: 30-59 mL/min/1.73 m²
- Description: Moderate reduction in kidney function without necessarily having symptoms .
- Prevalence: The most common stage, with a global prevalence of about 7.6%.
- Risks: Increased risk of progression to more severe stages, cardiovascular events, and mortality.
Stage 4: Severe Decrease in GFR
- GFR: 15-29 mL/min/1.73 m²
- Description: Severe reduction in kidney function, often accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, swelling, and changes in urine output .
- Prevalence: Approximately 0.4% globally.
- Risks: High risk of progression to kidney failure, increased mortality, and hospitalization.
Stage 5: Kidney Failure
- GFR: < 15 mL/min/1.73 m² or on dialysis
- Description: Kidney function is severely compromised, requiring dialysis or transplantation for survival .
- Prevalence: Around 0.1% globally.
- Management: Immediate intervention with renal replacement therapy is necessary.
Importance of Early Detection and Management
Early detection and management of CKD are crucial to slow disease progression and mitigate complications. Routine laboratory tests can identify early stages of CKD, allowing for timely interventions such as blood pressure control, renin-angiotensin system inhibition, and lifestyle modifications . Self-management programs have shown potential in improving patient outcomes, although more research is needed to establish their effectiveness conclusively.
Conclusion
CKD is a progressive disease with significant health implications. Understanding the stages of CKD and the importance of early detection and management can help reduce the burden of the disease and improve patient outcomes. Continued research and public health initiatives are essential to address the global impact of CKD effectively.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic