Importance of kidney function

-Kidneys are most commonly known for removing the natural waste and extra fluids from the body acting a filtration system. 

-Kidneys also help make red blood cells.

-Balance important minerals within the body.

-Help maintain blood pressure.

-Help keep your bones healthy. 

To have chronic kidney disease (CKD), kidneys must be damaged for over three months and have trouble maintaining all of its vital jobs. CKD can lead to more health issues including heart problems and strokes. Figuring out if you have CKD is a difficult task due to early stages usually being asymptomatic. If you feel as if you may be experiencing any symptoms please consult with your doctor. 

CKD is separated into 5 stages based on the level of function they can still do. 

In order to understand the stages, you need to understand the testing process. 

CKD is evaluated through blood and urine test. The blood test is called estimate glomerular filtration rate also known as eGFR, which shows how well the kidneys are filtering. The urine test is called urine albumin-creatinine ratio also known as uACR, which shows if proteins (albumin) are leaking into your urine which could be due to the kidneys functioning incorrectly.

5 Stages of CKD

Stage 1:

Mild Kidney Damage

eGFR 90 or higher with kidney damage (e.g. uACR 30 or higher) for over 3 months 

 

Stage 2:

Mild Loss of Kidney Function

eGFR 60-89 and kidney damage (e.g. 30 or higher) for over 3 months

Stage 3a:

Mild to Moderate Loss of Kidney Function

eGFR 45-59 for 3 months or more

 

Stage 3b:

Moderate to Severe Loss of Kidney Function

eGFR 30-40 for 3 months or more

 

Stage 4: 

Severe Loss of Kidney Function

eGFR 15-19 for 3 months or more

 

Stage 5:

Kidney Failure

eGFR less than 15 for 3 months or more OR you are on dialysis

Kidney Failure means that kidney function is 85-90% gone and cannot work well enough to keep you alive. There is no cure for kidney failure, however there is treatment that can provide a long, full life. 

 

 

This information is not a medical diagnosis or used for medical purposes but only for education purposes.