The first stage of a kidney problem, specifically chronic kidney disease (CKD), is characterized by a normal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 90 or greater, but with the presence of protein in the urine. This is known as Stage 1 CKD. While your kidneys are still functioning at a relatively normal level, the presence of protein signifies damage. Early-stage kidney disease often shows no symptoms, meaning you may not feel unwell. A blood or urine test is usually required for diagnosis.
Understanding Stage 1 CKD
- eGFR: The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) measures how well your kidneys filter waste from your blood. A normal eGFR is generally above 90.
- Proteinuria: The presence of protein in your urine (proteinuria) is a key indicator of kidney damage, even if your kidneys are still functioning well overall. This damage may not be reversible, but managing it can help maintain kidney function for longer.
Many sources confirm that early stages of chronic kidney disease, including Stage 1, often exhibit no noticeable symptoms. [^1, ^2, ^3, ^4, ^5, ^6, ^7] This lack of symptoms makes early detection crucial, usually through routine blood and urine tests as part of a checkup. [^8, ^9]
The presence of protein in the urine is the defining characteristic of Stage 1 CKD even with a normal eGFR, highlighting the importance of regular health screenings to detect kidney issues early.
