A plain-English guide to how chronic kidney disease progresses, based on kidney function (eGFR) under the KDIGO system. Understand each stage, what changes, and where treatment fits.
In short: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is staged in 5 levels by how well the kidneys filter blood, measured as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Early stages are often symptomless; later stages may need dialysis or transplant.
| Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 — eGFR ≥ 90 | Normal kidney function but signs of kidney damage (e.g. protein in urine). Usually no symptoms; managed by treating the underlying cause. |
| Stage 2 — eGFR 60–89 | Mild loss of function with kidney-damage markers. Still usually symptomless. |
| Stage 3a/3b — eGFR 30–59 | Moderate loss of function. Symptoms (fatigue, swelling) may start; close monitoring and risk-factor control are key. |
| Stage 4 — eGFR 15–29 | Severe loss of function. Symptoms more likely; this is when preparation for dialysis or a transplant typically begins. |
| Stage 5 — eGFR < 15 | Kidney failure (end-stage). Dialysis or a kidney transplant is needed to sustain life. |
Source: KDIGO CKD staging (eGFR + albuminuria). Confirmed by a nephrologist with blood and urine tests. Staging is a clinical assessment — only a qualified specialist can stage your condition.
Conventional, stage-appropriate treatment is the foundation for chronic kidney disease. Stem-cell therapy is investigational for this condition — not an approved cure. For an honest, sourced look at the evidence, cost and open trials, see stem cell therapy for Chronic Kidney Disease and what the success-rate data really shows.
Chronic kidney disease is typically described in 5 stages using kidney function (eGFR) under the KDIGO system. The stages chart how the condition progresses; the pace varies a lot between individuals.
The most advanced stage is “eGFR < 15” — Kidney failure (end-stage). Dialysis or a kidney transplant is needed to sustain life.
Stem-cell therapy for Chronic Kidney Disease is investigational, not an approved cure — see our honest, sourced overview of stem cell therapy for Chronic Kidney Disease (evidence, cost and trials) before considering it.
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