Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease
Stages of Chronic Kidney DiseaseSkip to the navigationTopic OverviewThe stages of
chronic kidney disease are determined by the
glomerular filtration rate. Glomerular filtration is the process by which the
kidneys filter the blood, removing excess wastes and fluids. Glomerular
filtration rate (GFR) is a calculation that determines how well the blood is
filtered by the kidneys. It is one way to measure kidney function. Glomerular filtration rate is usually 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 may indicate kidney disease. The lower the GFR
number, the worse the kidney function. This number is an estimate. It may not
be a good measure of kidney health in some people, such as the very young or
very old, amputees, or obese people. In some cases, GFR may also be estimated
with a 24-hour urine collection. Chronic kidney disease is defined
as either kidney damage or GFR of less than 60 for longer than 3 months. Stages of chronic kidney disease| Stage | Description | GFR | What this means to you |
|---|
1 | Kidney damage with normal or high GFR | 90 or above | - Your doctor will try to find the cause of
your kidney disease and begin treatment.
- Manage other health problems, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
- See your doctor regularly to monitor your condition.
| 2 | Kidney damage with mildly low GFR | 60-89 | - Your doctor will estimate how quickly your
disease is progressing.
- Manage other health problems, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
- Continue regular monitoring.
| 3 | Kidney damage with moderately low GFR | 30-59 | - Your doctor will check you for
complications, such as anemia and bone disease, and begin treatment if
needed.
- Continue monitoring.
| 4 | Kidney damage with severely low GFR | 15-29 | - Decide what type of treatment you want if
kidney failure develops.
- Continue treatment and monitoring.
| 5 | Kidney failure | Below 15 | - Start dialysis, have a kidney
transplant, or choose palliative care.
- Continue to see your doctor for treatment and testing.
| CreditsByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerAnne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerTushar J. Vachharajani, MD, FASN, FACP - Nephrology Current as of:
May 3, 2017 Last modified on: 8 September 2017
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