Kidney Disease Stages
Kidney disease is divided into 5 stages based on the level of kidney function. Your kidney disease stage is determined by calculating your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).
What is eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate)?
The estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) is a measure of how well the kidneys clean blood. It is usually estimated based on blood test results and age and gender.
Kidney Disease Stage
| What does it mean?
| Possible signs and symptoms
| eGFR
|
Stage 1
| Kidney damage in the presence of normal kidney function
| High blood pressure, leg swelling, urinary tract infection, abnormal urine test
| 90-120
|
Stage 2
| Mild loss of kidney function
|
| 60-89
|
Stage 3
| 3a: Mild to moderate loss of kidney function;
| Changes in urination, swelling of hands and feet, weakness or fatigue, dry itchy skin, back pain, muscle cramps
| 3a: 45-59
|
| 3b: Moderate to severe loss of kidney function
|
| 3b: 30-44
|
Stage 4
| Severe loss of kidney function
| Anemia, loss of appetite, bone disease, abnormal blood phosphorus, calcium, and vitamin D levels
| 15-29
|
Stage 5
| Kidney failure or near failure
| Uremia, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, abnormal thyroid levels, swelling of hands/legs/eyes/waist, low back pain
| Less than 15
|
What is early kidney disease? What is end-stage renal disease?
For simplicity, kidney disease stages 1 to 3a are called early kidney disease, while kidney disease stages 3b to 5 are called late kidney disease.
The goal at every stage of kidney disease is to best care for and control your health so that you can help slow the progression of kidney disease and keep your kidneys working for as long as possible.
Understand the progression of kidney disease
Kidney disease is a progressive disease, which means your kidney function may decline over time. However, being diagnosed with early-stage kidney disease does not necessarily mean you will progress to advanced stages. Getting tested and understanding the stage of your kidney disease can help you work with your doctor to protect your kidney health.
Can kidney disease be reversed?
While there is no cure for kidney disease, and kidney damage cannot be reversed once it occurs, you can start taking steps now to slow the progression of kidney disease. Everyone experiences kidney disease differently. Many people who are diagnosed with kidney disease early never develop kidney failure, while those who develop kidney failure later can live healthy lives for decades with treatment, proper nutrition, and physical activity.