Chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined as the presence of impaired or reduced kidney function that lasts for at least 3 months.

• CKD progresses in stages -  1, to, 3A, 3B,, 5 (in stage) with each stage related to the level of kidney function and damage.
• Individuals with end-stage kidney disease usually require a transplant or dialysis to survive 
• The average life expectancy of men aged 30 to 50 years with stage one or two is between 39.1 and 22.3 years. For women with the same parameters, it is 43.8 and 26 years. 

What's the risk?

For individuals with no risk factors the risk is lower than 34.2%. With each additional risk-factor, this risk increases.

• Risk factors for CKD include high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes.

Additional risk factors for CKD include

• Established heart problems
• Previous heart attack or stroke
• Family history of kidney failure
• Smoking
• Age (60 years or older)
• History of acute kidney injury
• Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Origin

In most cases, kidney function will continue to decline and the disease will progress despite treatment.

• Almost all people with CKD will incur lifelong expenses to manage their condition.
• Regular dialysis can mean significantly reduced working hours or unemployment.
• People with CKD average approximately 18 days of absence from employment each year.