From the Guidelines
Stage 2 kidney disease is characterized by a mild reduction in kidney function, with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ranging from 60 to 89 mL/min/1.73m², as defined by the National Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative for CKD 1.
Key Characteristics of Stage 2 Kidney Disease
- The eGFR range of 60-89 mL/min/1.73m² indicates that the kidneys are filtering blood at about 60-89% of normal capacity.
- Most people with stage 2 kidney disease do not experience symptoms, as the body can adapt to the mild decrease in kidney function.
- This stage is often discovered through routine blood or urine tests that show markers of kidney damage, such as protein in the urine (proteinuria) or elevated creatinine levels.
Causes and Management of Stage 2 Kidney Disease
- Common causes of stage 2 kidney disease include diabetes, high blood pressure, inflammatory diseases, or inherited kidney disorders.
- Management focuses on treating underlying conditions, controlling blood pressure (often with medications like ACE inhibitors or ARBs), managing blood sugar if diabetic, following a kidney-friendly diet, exercising regularly, avoiding nephrotoxic medications, and having regular check-ups to monitor kidney function, as recommended by the American Journal of Kidney Diseases 1.
- Early intervention at this stage is crucial, as it can significantly slow progression to more advanced kidney disease, and evaluation and control of dyslipidemia and other cardiovascular disease risk factors are also important, as noted in the study published in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases 1.
Importance of Early Intervention
- Early intervention in stage 2 kidney disease is critical to slow disease progression and reduce the risk of complications, as emphasized by the National Kidney Foundation practice guidelines for chronic kidney disease 1.
- Treatment of comorbid conditions, interventions to slow progression of kidney disease, and measures to reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease should begin during stage 1 and stage 2, as recommended by the Annals of Internal Medicine 1.
From the Research
Definition of Stage 2 Kidney Disease
Stage 2 kidney disease is characterized by a mild loss of kidney function, with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 60-89 mL/min/1.73m² 2.
Key Characteristics
- eGFR: 60-89 mL/min/1.73m²
- Mild loss of kidney function
- May be associated with other health problems, such as high blood pressure or diabetes
Treatment and Management
Treatment for stage 2 kidney disease typically involves lifestyle changes and medications to manage related health conditions, such as:
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) to control blood pressure and reduce proteinuria 3, 4
- Calcium channel blockers to control blood pressure 2
- Lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise, to manage related health conditions