Stage 3 kidney disease is the first stage that indicates a serious problem. As kidney disease progresses, the stage number increases. As the stages get higher, the kidneys are unable to filter a substance called creatinine from your blood. Creatinine levels will build up and become too high if you are experiencing the type of problems that lead to kidney disease. This makes creatinine levels an excellent indicator of disease severity.
Stages of Kidney Disease
The five stages of kidney disease are based on the rate at which your kidneys are able to filter out creatinine from your blood. The specific filtration rates are shown in the chart below. Note that the kidney is not considered to have failed until it reaches stage 5, with less than 15% of its ability to filter creatinine and other toxins and waste from your blood.
| Description | Filtration Rate* | Other Findings | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Normal or minimal kidney damage with normal GFR | 90+ | In stage 1 kidney disease, protein or albumin in urine is high, and cells or casts are seen in urine. |
| Stage 2 | Mild decrease in GFR | 60-89 | Stage 2 kidney disease requires supportive care from healthcare professionals. |
| Stage 3 | Moderate decrease in GFR | 30-59 | Stage 3 kidney disease requires supportive care from healthcare professionals. |
| Stage 4 | Severe decrease in GFR | 15-29 | Though stage 4 kidney disease is thought to require active treatment such as dialysis in order to survive. At Optimum Health, we can help the kidneys heal at this stage. |
| Stage 5 | Kidney failure | <15 | Stage 5 kidney disease is considered a severe illness requiring drastic measures such as dialysis and kidney transplant for survival. At Optimum Health, we can help the kidneys heal at this stage. |
*Filtration Rate refers to the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR).
Stage Kidney Failure: Related Topics
Kidney Failure: Signs and Symptoms
Optimum Health’s Concept of Healing
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