A person with stage 4 chronic kidney disease (CKD) has advanced kidney damage with a severe decrease in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) to 15-30 ml/min. It is likely someone with stage 4 CKD will need dialysis or a kidney transplant in the near future.

What are the symptoms of stage 4 kidney disease?

• fluid retention.

• fatigue.

• lower back pain.

• sleep problems.

• increase in urination and urine that appears red or dark.

What is the treatment for stage 4 kidney disease?

Monitoring and managing. In stage 4 kidney disease, you’ll see your kidney specialist (nephrologist) often, usually once every 3 months to monitor your condition. To check kidney function, your blood will be tested for levels of:

1. bicarbonate

2. calcium

3. creatinine

4. hemoglobin

5. phosphorus

6. potassium

Other regular tests will include:

• protein in the urine

• blood pressure

• fluid status

Your doctor will review your:

1. cardiovascular risk

2. immunization status

3. current medications

4. Slowing the progression

There’s no cure, but there are steps that can slow progression. This means monitoring and managing conditions such as:

• anemia

• bone disease

• diabetes

• edema

• high cholesterol

• hypertension