How fast does CKD progress?
In this article we will discuss how fast does CKD progress.
The short, and unsatisfying, answer to this question is .. it depends [“thanks, thought you might say that!” CKDEx]. It is very variable.
Chronic kidney disease progression has been studied extensively, but the majority of studies have focussed on the causes of kidney function decline; and the likelihood of CKD to progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRF, or kidney failure) – not necessarily the speed of that progression.
This infographic is by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Note. This diagram is misleading. Not all patients progress from left to right. You can go the other way or stabilise
What are indicators of fast kidney disease progression?
Whilst the rate of disease progression will be different for everyone, indicators of faster progression include:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
High blood pressure is the single most important factor that accelerates the rate of progression of CKD – so you should make this a primary focus
- Proteinuria (higher than normal amounts of protein in urine)
- Congestive heart failure (CHF)
- Anaemia (insufficient oxygen-carrying red blood cells)
- Low serum albumin (low levels of the protein albumin in the blood)
- Age of under 65 years, especially if you have diabetes
- Longer duration of diabetes before diagnosis
- Black or Asian ethnicity.
There are other factors linked to a faster progression of CKD:
Summary
We have (rather unsatisfactorily) answered the question how fast does CKD progress. It is very variable. We hope it has been helpful.
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Last Reviewed on 5 April 2024