Becoming more common, chronic kidney disease affects approximately 10% of the population. It is defined as an abnormality in renal function or structure of the kidney, present for at least 3 months.

Patients at high risk of kidney disease are those with diabetes, hypertension, obesity, > 50 yrs of age, acute kidney injury, long term history of OTC medications and family history of chronic kidney disease.

Markers of kidney disease may include: albuminuria (ACR > 3 mg/mmol), haematuria, electrolyte abnormalities due to tubular disorders, renal histological abnormalities, structural abnormalities detected by imaging (e.g. polycystic kidneys, reflux nephropathy) or a history of kidney transplantation. CKD is classified based on the eGFR and the level of proteinuria present.

The Irish Nephrology Society currently recommends classifying Chronic Kidney Disease into five stages.

The CKD Heatmap was devised to assist clinicians to risk stratify patients. Patients are classified as G1-G5, based on the eGFR, and A1-A3 based on the ACR (albumin:creatinine ratio) as detailed below:

https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Heatmap-representing-the-risk-for-CKD-progression-according-to-GFR-and-albuminuria_fig1_332389199