Describe the stages of chronic kidney disease, and summarize the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, evaluation, and treatment.

Chronic kidney diseases (CKDs) are progressive conditions that cause irreversible kidney injury over time. The stages of CKD can be defined using glomerular filtration rates (GFR). GFR measures how much blood is filtered out by the kidneys per minute. They range from G1 for mild or normal GFR to G5 for end-stage kidney failure.

It is believed that CKD results from a loss of nephrons which affects the ability of kidneys to remove wastes and water. The clinical manifestations of CKD depend on the stage, but can include fatigue, nausea and anemia.

Assessment includes objective tests like urinalysis or imaging studies, and treatment involves lifestyle changes such as following a low-sodium diet or getting regular exercise. In addition to medications, dialysis can be prescribed for severe cases where kidney function is severely impaired.

Despite the fact that CKD is not curable, it’s important to keep a close eye on it with regular checkups. Early detection makes a huge difference in managing long-term consequences.