Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Chronic kidney disease is a long-term condition in which the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. It is classified into five stages (G1 to G5) based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), with albuminuria (protein in the urine) also factored into the staging.

CKD has five stages. G1 (eGFR 90+) and G2 (60–89) are early stages with mild or no symptoms. G3a (45–59) and G3b (30–44) are moderate stages requiring closer monitoring. G4 (15–29) is severe, when planning for dialysis or transplant typically begins. G5 (below 15) is kidney failure, at which point dialysis, transplant, or conservative care is needed.

In most cases, no. CKD is usually a progressive condition and existing damage cannot be reversed. However, the rate of progression can often be slowed significantly with good blood pressure control, managing diabetes, avoiding kidney-harmful medications, and sometimes dietary changes. Many patients remain stable at the same stage for years or decades.

Early CKD often has no symptoms, which is why it is frequently detected through routine blood or urine tests. When symptoms do appear, they may include persistent fatigue, changes in urination, swelling in ankles or around the eyes, itching, muscle cramps, and difficulty sleeping. These are non-specific and easily attributed to other causes.

Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two leading causes of CKD worldwide, together accounting for roughly two-thirds of cases. Other causes include glomerulonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, recurring kidney infections, prolonged urinary obstruction, and some autoimmune conditions.