Chronic Kidney Disease is the progressive loss of kidney function. Progression is staged based on the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR).
Stages of CKD
- Stage 1: Normal GFR (≥ 90 mL/min/1.73m²) with kidney damage (e.g., proteinuria).
- Stage 2: Mild GFR decrease (60 - 89 mL/min/1.73m²).
- Stage 3: Moderate GFR decrease (30 - 59 mL/min/1.73m²).
- Stage 4: Severe GFR decrease (15 - 29 mL/min/1.73m²). Prepare for renal replacement therapy.
- Stage 5: End-Stage Renal Disease (GFR < 15 mL/min/1.73m²). Requires dialysis or kidney transplantation.
Clinical Tip: Monitor CKD patients for hyperkalemia, hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, metabolic acidosis, and anemia (due to decreased erythropoietin production).
