Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is divided into 5 stages based on the level of kidney function. Stages are determined through certain tests performed by your doctor, including a test used to calculate the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which measures how well your kidneys are cleaning your blood. Kidney disease is a progressive disease, meaning that kidney function can continue to decline over time, eventually resulting in kidney failure.
While there is typically no cure for CKD, there are treatments that can help. Getting tested is important—with early diagnosis and treatment, you may be able to slow progression and keep your kidneys working.
| CKD Stage | Description | Possible Signs & Symptoms | eGFR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Minimal loss of kidney function | 90–120 | |
| Stage 2 | Mild to moderate loss of kidney function | Typically, signs and symptoms of CKD do not show up until later stages—if at all | 60–89 |
| Stage 3 | Moderate to severe loss of kidney function | 30–59 | |
| Stage 4 | Severe loss of kidney function | Complications such as anemia (low blood iron), high blood pressure (hypertension) and abnormal blood levels of phosphorus, calcium and vitamin D | 16–29 |
| Stage 5 End stage renal disease (ESRD) | Kidney failure and need for dialysis or transplant | Fatigue associated with anemia (low blood iron), decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, abnormal lab values including elevated potassium, abnormalities in hormones related to bone health, elevated phosphorus and/or decreased calcium, high blood pressure (hypertension), swelling in hands/legs/eyes/lower back (sacrum) and shortness of breath | 15 or less |
Chronic kidney disease (CKD), also known as chronic renal disease, is a condition that occurs when your kidneys don't work as well as they should to filter waste, toxins and excess fluid from your body. Kidney disease progresses in stages and may eventually lead to kidney failure.
The goal of treating CKD is to best manage your health at every stage, which can help slow progression and keep your kidneys functioning as long as possible. Treatment options for kidney failure include dialysis or a kidney transplant.
About 15% of US adults have chronic kidney disease. That's around 30 million people.
Most people are born with 2 kidneys, but you only need 1 to live a healthy life.
Kidney disease affects people of all ages, but those 60 and over are the most likely to develop it.
About 468,000 Americans with kidney failure rely on blood-filtering dialysis treatments to survive.