In 2002 the National Kidney Foundation published treatment guidelines that identified five stages of kidney disease.  These nationally recognized stages are determined through careful monitoring of your glomerular filtration rate (also called GFR).  The glomeruli are small blood vessels within the kidney where waste products are removed.  When someone has Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), the glomeruli are damaged and do not function properly.

The treatment guidelines from the National Kidney Foundation recommend different actions based upon your stage of CKD.  Your personal treatment course will be determined by your nephrologist with the primary goal being to slow the progression of CKD.  There are multiple treatment options available to achieve this.  At Renal Care Consultants our dedicated team of Nephrologists are available to help you determine which option is best for you.

Stage One

Kidney damage with a normal GFR (GFR 90 or above).  Depending on your disease, kidney damage may be detected before the GFR starts to decline.  In the first stage of kidney disease the primary goal is to slow the progression of kidney disease and reduce kidney damage along with the risk for heart and vascular disease.  There are usually very few signs of disease at this point.  Your nephrologist may have you stop certain medications that are toxic to your kidneys and use ones that are safer for you.

Stage Two

Kidney damage accompanied by a mild decrease in GFR (GFR 60-89).  When a decline in your kidney functions occurs, your nephrologist will monitor the progression of your kidney disease.  This may include adjusting your medications or other treatments while diligently working to control progression of your chronic kidney disease.

Stage Three

Stage three reflects a moderate decrease in GFR (GFR 30-59).  When chronic kidney disease has advanced to this stage, anemia and bone problems become more common.  Your nephrologist will work from an advanced protocol and will also monitor labs to make sure that your bones stay healthy and strong.  Your physician will also work with you to prevent or treat these complications as they occur.

Stage Four

Stage four is marked by a severe reduction in GFR (GFR 15-29).  Your nephrologist will continue to treat the complications that are associated with Chronic Kidney Disease and but will concurrently make recommendations on an ideal treatment plan if you progress to stage five.  Treatment options may include hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis or even transplantation.  All of these require advance preparation.  It is ideal and in your best interest as a patient to have a plan in place to help avoid hospitalizations.

Stage Five

Stage five is kidney failure which is also referred to as “End Stage Renal Disease.”  Your glomerular filtration rate will be less than 15.  This means your kidneys are no longer eliminating enough waste that your body produces from your blood.  This is called uremia.  You may feel ill.  Some people experience nausea and vomiting, anorexia (no appetite), edema (swelling of limbs), fatigue and weakness.  Other diseases that you have may be exacerbated by the stage of kidney disease.  At this stage it is time to execute the predetermined plan of action that you and your nephrologist may have decided upon in stage four.