CKD in children is staged based on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), a measure of kidney function. The staging system, adapted from the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines, divides CKD into five stages:
1. Stage 1: GFR ⥠90 mL/min/1.73 m² with kidney damage (e.g., proteinuria, hematuria, or structural abnormalities).
2. Stage 2: GFR 60-89 mL/min/1.73 m² with signs of kidney damage.
3. Stage 3a: GFR 45-59 mL/min/1.73 m².
4. Stage 3b: GFR 30-44 mL/min/1.73 m².
5. Stage 4: GFR 15-29 mL/min/1.73 m².
6. Stage 5: GFR What are the Signs and Symptoms of CKD in Children?
The signs and symptoms of CKD in children can vary widely depending on the stage:
- Stage 1 and 2: Often asymptomatic, but may show signs of hypertension, proteinuria, or hematuria.
- Stage 3: Symptoms may include fatigue, growth retardation, and mild anemia.
- Stage 4: More pronounced symptoms such as significant growth failure, bone disease, and hypertension.
- Stage 5: Severe complications including uremia, requiring dialysis or transplantation.
