Kidney damage or degenerative change that results in a loss of filtration function. Filtration rates of less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m² define the disease state. Complications include anemia, cardiovascular disease, and poor growth. Patients can be sustained through dialysis several times a week; however, dialysis can result in a loss of essential trace minerals such as zinc. Other nutritional disturbances may also develop. The irreversible loss of kidney function develops in four progressive stages. The first stage is characterized by diminishing renal reserve as indicated by a 50% decrease in glomerular filtration rate. Progression to the second stage occurs when the glomerular filtration rate decreases further to between 20% and 50% of normal and azotemia, polyuria, and nocturia develop. The third stage, described as renal failure, occurs when the glomerular filtration rate drops below 20% of normal and uremia is present. In the final stage, referred to as end-stage renal disease, the glomerular filtration rate has decreased to less than 5% of the normal value and the individual is terminally uremic.
Any illness in which kidney function remains diminished for a long period of time. CKD includes both end-stage renal disease and improper functioning of kidney transplants.