5 Stages of CKD

5 Stages of CKD

Below are the 5 stages in the CKD classification.

The CKD stage describes the severity of the chronic kidney disease – the higher the grade (stage), the worse the kidney function.

The 5 stages are based on something called ‘GFR’ (glomerular filtration rate). Normal GFR is 90-120 mls/min.

GFR is a blood test which estimates the level of function of the kidney – the higher the GFR, the better the kidney function (and therefore the lower stage of CKD that the patient will be in).

5 stages of CKD

We will now go through the 5 CKD stages in more detail.

CKD1+2 – Risk factor for developing CKD (eGFR 60-120 mls/min; i.e. kidney function can be normal at these stages)

• Symptoms: no symptoms
• Treatment: no specific treatment for this stage of CKD. Risk factors for CKD should be looked at and treated if needed (for example high blood pressure). A risk factor in this example is a lifestyle or environmental factor that increases the chance of developing a medical condition
• Progression: not all patients in CKD1-2 progress to CKD3. Some can get better.

CKD3A+B – Mild CKD (eGFR 30-59 mls/min)

• Symptoms: no symptoms or mild symptoms
• Treatment: treat the cause of CKD, and make sure blood pressure and blood glucose are in the correct range (if diabetic). This will help stop CKD worsening
• Progression: not all patients in CKD3 progress to CKD4. Many stabilise, and a few get better.

CKD4 – Moderate CKD (eGFR 15-29 mls/min)

• Symptoms: moderate
• Treatment: treat cause of CKD and ensure blood pressure and blood glucose are in the right range
• Progression: many (but not all) patients in CKD4 progress to CKD5. Some stabilise, and a few get better.

Note. Some patients need to prepare for dialysis or transplant when their CKD becomes stage 4.

 CKD5 – Severe CKD (kidney failure) (eGFR < 15 mls/min)

• Symptoms: severe
• Treatment: start dialysis or kidney transplant, or give supportive care (no dialysis/transplant)
• Progression: a small number of patients in CKD5 come off dialysis, and revert to to CKD4 (or better). Most need lifelong dialysis or a kidney transplant. Patients with type 1 diabetes may need a combined kidney and pancreas transplant.

Summary

We have described the 5 stages of CKD. We hope it has been helpful.