Kidney disease affects people's health and negatively and seriously influences their quality of life. Knowledge of the stages of kidney disease and corresponding creatinine levels is fundamental for early diagnosis and subsequent therapy. In this blog, you will learn about monitoring creatinine levels, especially in stage 3 kidney disease, and other essential aspects of kidney functioning.
Understanding Creatinine Levels
Creatinine is a normative product formed in muscles when muscle tissues are metabolized. It is also synthesized in your body daily, and the quantity is measured by your kidney's ability to filter it through urine. As an end product of muscle metabolism, detecting creatinine in the blood is helpful because it gives insight into the kidneys' efficiency. The normal range differs based on age, gender, or muscle mass. Males tend to register higher levels of creatinine than females, but high levels of creatinine in the blood suggest that the kidneys are not flushing out waste products effectively. Therefore, frequent monitoring of creatinine levels is essential, especially for individuals at risk of kidney disease.Also Read: Kidney Stones and Digestive Problems: How Are They Connected?
Creatinine Levels of Patients in Stage 3 of the Kidney Disease
Stage 3 means that the patient has a moderate kidney disease, which eliminates at least 45% of the kidney function. When kidneys' ability to clear out waste products declines, creatinine in your blood will increase. More often, the creatinine level of patients in stage 3 of kidney disease is between 1. 3 to 1. 9 mg/dL. In comparison, the total cholesterol value fluctuates from 125 mg/dL to 200 mg/dL depending on the individual factors.Increased creatinine levels indicate a higher risk of kidney problems, but they alone do not diagnose Stage 3 kidney disease. Health care practitioners also look at your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)—a measure of your kidneys' ability to purify your blood. For Stage 3 kidney disease, the eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) typically ranges between 30 and 59 mL/min/1.73 m². Stage 3 of kidney disease corresponds to the area of 73 m². Therefore, a combination of clot creatinine and eGFR is required to come up with the correct diagnosis.
Also Read: Home Remedies For Kidney Stones: Natural Solutions For Relief
Stages Of Kidney Disease
Patients with kidney diseases are usually divided into five stages depending on the extent of organ damage and the eGFR. These stages symbolize the disease together with the level of impairment of kidney functions.Stages 1: Collapsing Glomerulopathy
Kidney damage with normal or increased eGFR (≥ 90 mL/min/1. 73 m²). At this stage, there may be no sign or symptom, but there may be signs of damage to the kid, such as damage or the presence of protein in urine.Stage 2: Mild Reduction in Kidney Function
Reduced kidney function at a mild level, in which the eGFR is between 60 and 89 mL/min/1. 73 m². Even though they may not be apparent, the kidneys work less effectively at this stage.Stage 3: Moderate Reduction in eGFR
Moderately low eGFR ranging between 30–59 mL/min/1. 73 m². This stage is slightly further divided into:- Stage 3A: Which includes eGFR 45-59
- Stage 3B: Which includes eGFR 30-44.
Stage 4: Severe Reduction in eGFR
Further deterioration in GFR such that it ranges from 15-29 mL/min/1. 73 m². Kidney function is reduced, and the symptoms one gets will be more profound than those of a healthy kidney. At this stage, the treatment plans might involve decisions relating to dialysis or a kidney transplant.Stage 5: Kidney Failure
Depending on the eGFR, there are five stages of CKD. Stage 5 is characterized by kidney failure with an eGFR of less than 15 mL/min/1. This is the final stage in the progression of chronic kidney disease, at which the kidneys cannot do their required job of supporting life without dialysis or a kidney transplant.Also Read: Signs You Need to See a Nephrologist: When to Seek Expert Kidney Care
Symptoms Of Stage 3 Of Kidney Disease
Symptoms may be minimal or absent in the early stages of kidney disease. However, symptoms become more noticeable as the disease progresses to Stage 3. However, as kidney function continues to decline, particularly in stage 3, you may begin to experience more pronounced symptoms: However, as kidney function continues to decline, particularly in stage 3, you may start to experience more pronounced symptoms:- Fatigue: This results in persistent tiredness and low energy, thus reducing the body's energy reserves.
- Loss of Appetite: Reduced appetite means the patient may lose weight and suffer from malnutrition.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Such symptoms may be noticed as the wastes build up in the body tissues.
- Swelling in the Legs and Ankles: Hydration issues caused by decreased kidney function can result in edema or swelling in the lower limbs. Some of the symptoms of kidney disease include shortness of breath (a complication of kidney disease).
- High Blood Pressure: These organs are involved in regulating blood pressure, and therefore, their failure can lead to hypertension.
- Changes in Urine Output: It may produce variations in the amount, color, and frequency of urine, which suggests the development of this aspect of kidney illness.
Importance of Managing Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
If left untreated, Stage 3 kidney disease may progress to Stages 4 and 5, resulting in kidney failure. At this point, kidneys function at just 10% of their capacity or less, requiring dialysis or transplant. Early intervention is key to slowing the disease progression. This includes:- Managing conditions like diabetes and hypertension
- Adopting a kidney-friendly diet
- Following medical advice and treatment plans meticulously
Types Of Kidney Disease
Kidney disease is a broad term that encompasses several different conditions, each with its causes and implications Kidney disease is a broad term that encompasses several different conditions, each with its causes and impact:Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD):
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is the most common form of chronic disease, characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function. CKD is a chronic disease that is caused by conditions that are lifelong in nature, for instance, diabetes, hypertension, or glomerulonephritis.Acute Kidney Injury (AKI):
In contrast with CKD, which is a slow-progressing disorder, AKI is characterized by sudden and rapid deterioration in renal function. It may be precipitated by catastrophic infections, acute bilateral renal vein thrombosis, pre-renal causes like severe diarrhea or omission of oral fluids, and ingestion of nephrotoxic agents.Also Read: Protect Your Health: Urological Screening and Early Detection
Other Types Of Kidney Disease:
- Polycystic Kidney Disease: A hereditary disease which causes many small, fluid-filled sacs (cysts) to grow in the kidneys. These cysts can make the kidneys larger and less able to function properly.
- Glomerulonephritis: It is a condition in which the glomeruli, the tiny filter in the kidney, become inflamed. It is attributed to immune system diseases or infections.
- Diabetic Nephropathy: A sort of renal disease that may occur in people with diabetes and affects the tiny blood-filtering components of the kidneys.
When to Worry About Creatinine Levels?
Creatinine levels vary based on age, gender, body size, muscle mass, and even where you live. Understanding what is normal can help you assess the health of your kidneys. For example:- Children: Normal serum creatinine levels range from 0.3 to 0.7 mg/dL.
- Women: Healthy levels typically range from 0.6 to 1.1 mg/dL.
- Men: Expected levels are slightly higher, ranging from 0.7 to 1.3 mg/dL.
Conclusion
It is crucial to understand the creatinine levels in stage 3 of this condition to diagnose the patients early enough and manage them appropriately. It may help to understand the nature of kidney disease since its awareness can prevent further developments and conserve renal function. If you are experiencing symptoms of kidney disease or have concerns about your kidney health, you must consult a healthcare professional promptly for a proper evaluation and treatment plan.Looking for the best nephrologist in Mumbai? Asian Heart Institute has some of the finest in the field, offering compassionate care and exceptional results. Schedule a consultation today!
FAQ's
Q1. What creatinine level indicates stage 3 kidney disease?A. Stage 3 kidney disease usually shows creatinine levels between 1.6–2.5 mg/dL, but it can vary based on age, gender, and muscle mass.
Q2. Can stage 3 kidney disease be reversed?
A. It cannot be fully reversed, but with the right treatment, diet, and lifestyle changes, its progression can be slowed down.
Q3. What are the symptoms of stage 3 kidney disease?
A. Common signs include fatigue, swelling in feet or ankles, changes in urination, and mild back pain.
