Chronic Kidney Disease Stages

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Definition

• A progressive loss of kidney function over time, characterized by gradual damage to the kidneys
• Can lead to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) if left untreated

Stages of CKD

1. Stage 1: Kidney damage with normal kidney function (GFR ≥ 90 mL/min)
2. Stage 2: Kidney damage with mild decrease in kidney function (GFR 60-89 mL/min)
3. Stage 3: Moderate decrease in kidney function (GFR 30-59 mL/min)
4. Stage 4: Severe decrease in kidney function (GFR 15-29 mL/min)
5. Stage 5: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) (GFR < 15 mL/min)

Causes and Risk Factors

• Diabetes: Leading cause of CKD, accounting for approximately 40% of cases
• Hypertension: Second leading cause of CKD, accounting for approximately 25% of cases
• Family history: Having a family member with CKD increases an individual's risk
• Age: CKD risk increases with age, especially after 65
• Obesity: Associated with an increased risk of CKD
• Smoking: Can damage kidney function and exacerbate CKD

Symptoms

• Often asymptomatic in early stages
• May experience:
  • Fatigue
  • Swelling in legs and feet
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Changes in urine output
  • Pain in the back or flank area

Diagnosis

• Urine tests: Check for proteinuria (excess protein in urine) and hematuria (blood in urine)
• Blood tests: Measure serum creatinine levels to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
• Imaging tests: Ultrasound, CT, or MRI scans to evaluate kidney structure and function

Treatment and Management

• Lifestyle modifications:
  • Dietary changes (e.g., low-protein, low-phosphorus diet)
  • Increased physical activity
  • Weight management
  • Smoking cessation
• Medications:
  • ACE inhibitors or ARBs to slow disease progression
  • Diuretics to manage fluid retention
  • Phosphate binders to reduce phosphate levels
• Dialysis: May be necessary in advanced stages of CKD or ESRD
• Kidney transplantation: A potential treatment option for ESRD patients

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Overview

• CKD is a progressive condition leading to a gradual reduction in kidney function.
• Untreated CKD can result in end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Stages of CKD

• Stage 1: Kidney damage occurs with normal function (GFR ≥ 90 mL/min).
• Stage 2: Mild decrease in function (GFR 60-89 mL/min).
• Stage 3: Moderate decrease in function (GFR 30-59 mL/min).
• Stage 4: Severe decrease in function (GFR 15-29 mL/min).
• Stage 5: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) defined as GFR < 15 mL/min.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Diabetes: Major cause of CKD, responsible for ~40% of cases.
• Hypertension: Second most common cause, contributing to ~25% of cases.
• Family History: Increases risk if a family member has CKD.
• Age: CKD risk escalates with advancing age, particularly post-65.
• Obesity: Correlated with a higher likelihood of developing CKD.
• Smoking: Harms kidney function and can worsen CKD.

Symptoms

• Often asymptomatic during early stages, making early detection challenging.
• Possible symptoms include:
  • Fatigue and low energy levels
  • Edema, particularly in the legs and feet
  • Nausea and vomiting sensations
  • Variations in urine output
  • Discomfort or pain in the back or flank areas

Diagnosis

• Urine Tests: Detect proteinuria (high protein levels) and hematuria (blood presence).
• Blood Tests: Measure serum creatinine to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
• Imaging Tests: Ultrasounds, CTs, or MRIs to examine kidney structure and functionality.

Treatment and Management

• Lifestyle Modifications:
  • Dietary adjustments, focusing on low-protein and low-phosphorus options.
  • Increasing physical activity and managing body weight.
  • Quitting smoking to prevent further kidney damage.
• Medications:
  • ACE inhibitors or ARBs help slow progression of the disease.
  • Diuretics assist in managing fluid retention in patients.
  • Phosphate binders reduce phosphate levels in the blood.
• Dialysis: Required for advanced CKD or at ESRD stage.
• Kidney Transplantation: A viable treatment option for patients with ESRD.

Understand the definition and stages of Chronic Kidney Disease, a progressive loss of kidney function over time. Learn about the gradual damage to the kidneys and its effects.