There are 5 stages of kidney failure, stage 5 being the most serious. These various stages are established according to the level of renal filtration observed. The progression of renal failure from one stage to the next stage is not inevitable, if appropriate medical care is put in place. Find out what kidney failure is and what its different stages are.
1. The role of the kidneys
The kidneys play a vital role in the body. They have several functions, specifies the National Cancer Institute. First of all, a role in filtering blood waste. These wastes are urea from the breakdown of proteins, creatine (muscle waste), uric acid and foreign substances (drug residues, etc.). But they also have a mission to regulate and balance the quantity of water from drinks and food. Finally, the kidneys also have a hormonal function, because they secrete hormones. This is the case of erythropoietin, a hormone which causes the production of red blood cells by the bone marrow, or even renin, a hormone responsible for controlling your blood pressure.
When your kidneys are malfunctioning, various signs appear. During the blood test, an insufficient level of red blood cells and a significant increase in creatinine and urea are observed. Clinically, you feel frequent needs to urinate, cramps, are tired, short of breath, pale. You have swelling in your eyelids and ankles, informs the Lyon University Hospital. These are the signs of kidney failure, which is classified into 5 stages.
2. Stage I of kidney failure
This is the stage corresponding to chronic kidney disease with normal or increased filtration. It corresponds to a level of renal filtration (glomerular filtration rate or GFR) greater than or equal to 90 ml/min, specifies the Lyon Nephrology Center. The causes are sought and follow-up and treatment are prescribed.
3. Stage II kidney failure
We are in the presence of chronic kidney disease with slightly reduced filtration. At this point, your GFR is between 60 and 89 ml/min. Treatment to slow the progression of renal failure is implemented and cardiovascular risks are assessed.
4. Stage III kidney failure
In stage III, you suffer from moderate chronic renal failure and have a GFR between 30 and 59 ml/min. Treatment aims to relieve your symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.
5. Stage IV kidney failure
Stage IV is severe chronic renal failure. It corresponds to a GFR of between 15 and 29 ml/min. It is important to inform yourself about alternative treatments that you may need to consider.
6. Stage V of kidney failure
This is the most serious stage, your kidneys no longer work. Stage V is that of chronic end-stage renal failure, associated with a GFR less than 15 ml/min. The severity of kidney failure at this stage requires the use of dialysis or kidney transplantation.
Sources
- Chronic kidney disease — renal failure, Lyon University Hospital, March 20, 2024
- The 5 stages of kidney failure, Association Info Ren Santé, 2024
- Anatomy of the kidney, National Cancer Institute
- Renal failure — The different stages, Néphropôle Lyon-Villeurbanne, August 28, 2015