KIDNEY DISEASE: DEFINING IT
What is Kidney Disease?
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is typically divided into five stages, based on how well the kidneys are filtering waste from the blood. The main measure used is the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which reflects kidney function as a percentage of normal.
KIDNEY FAILURE: WHAT HAPPENS AT EACH STAGE
The 5 Stages of Kidney Disease
STAGE 1
Kidney damage with normal or high function
- eGFR: 90 or above
- Description: Kidneys are working normally, but there is evidence of kidney damage (such as protein in the urine, structural abnormalities, or genetic factors).
- Focus: Monitoring, controlling blood pressure, managing underlying conditions (like diabetes).
STAGE 2
Mild loss of kidney function
- eGFR: 60–89
- Description: Mild reduction in kidney function, with other signs of kidney damage.
- Focus: Lifestyle adjustments, close monitoring, preventing further damage.
STAGE 3
Moderate loss of kidney function
- Stage 3a eGFR: 45–59
- Stage 3b eGFR: 30–44
- Description: Waste products can start building up in the blood, and patients may begin to experience symptoms such as fatigue, swelling, or changes in urination.
- Focus: Diet changes, medication management, and preventing complications.
STAGE 4
Severe loss of kidney function
- eGFR: 15–29
- Description: Significant decrease in kidney function; symptoms become more apparent and serious.
- Focus: Preparing for dialysis or transplant, intensive symptom management.
STAGE 5
Kidney failure (End-Stage Renal Disease)
- eGFR: Less than 15
- Description: Kidneys can no longer filter waste effectively; dialysis or a kidney transplant is required for survival.
- Focus: Life-sustaining treatments and ongoing supportive care.
KIDNEY FAILURE 2024: A SNAPSHOT
Overview of Kidney Failure in Tennessee
Tennesseans are living with kidney failue
%
11,241 Tennesseans are on Dialysis
%
4,630 Tennesseans are living with a kidney transplant
Leading Causes of Kidney Failure
- Percentage of Kidney Failure Cases Caused by Diabetes 44%
- Percentage of Kidney Failure Cases Caused by High Blood Pressure 29%
%
New Tennesseans diagnosed with kidney failure in 2021 received a kidney transplant
Kidney Transplants in Tennessee
1 in 3
Tennesseans on the kidney transplant waiting list received a transplant in 2023
2,610
Tennesseans are on the kidney transplant waiting list
861
transplants were performed in Tennessee in 2023, a 86% increase from 2013