CKD Staging Calculator
Estimate your Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) stage based on your eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate).
Understanding CKD Staging
What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a progressive loss of kidney function over time. The kidneys are vital organs responsible for filtering waste products and excess fluid from the blood, which are then excreted in urine. They also play crucial roles in regulating blood pressure, producing hormones that stimulate red blood cell production, and maintaining bone health. When kidney function declines significantly, these essential tasks are compromised.
Why is CKD Staging Important?
CKD is typically staged using the estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR), which measures how well your kidneys are filtering waste. Staging CKD helps healthcare providers:
- Assess the severity of kidney damage.
- Track the progression of the disease.
- Determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
- Monitor for complications, such as high blood pressure, anemia, and bone disease.
- Identify patients who may benefit from referral to a kidney specialist (nephrologist).
How is the CKD Stage Determined?
The CKD staging system, developed by the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines, classifies CKD into five stages based on eGFR values:
- Stage 1: Normal or high GFR (≥ 90 mL/min/1.73m²) with kidney damage (e.g., protein in urine).
- Stage 2: Mildly decreased GFR (60-89 mL/min/1.73m²) with kidney damage.
- Stage 3a: Mildly to moderately decreased GFR (45-59 mL/min/1.73m²).
- Stage 3b: Moderately to severely decreased GFR (30-44 mL/min/1.73m²).
- Stage 4: Severely decreased GFR (15-29 mL/min/1.73m²).
- Stage 5: Kidney failure (< 15 mL/min/1.73m²), often requiring dialysis or transplant.
This calculator primarily focuses on the eGFR value to indicate the functional stage. The presence of kidney damage (like proteinuria) is also a criterion for diagnosing CKD in Stages 1 and 2, but this calculator relies solely on the provided eGFR.
eGFR Calculation Note:
eGFR is typically calculated using formulas like the CKD-EPI or MDRD equation, which take into account serum creatinine levels, age, sex, and race. This calculator assumes you have already obtained your eGFR value and are inputting it directly. Always consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.