What determines the difference between stage 3 and stage 4 Kidney Failure? The question is commonly asked by patients. To give the specific answer, we have consulted the kidney experts who come from Shijizhuang Kidney Disease Hospital, getting the professional answer.

According to glomerular filtration rate (GFR), Renal Failure can be divided into five stages. Generally speaking, the lower GFR level, the more severe kidney damage. Some factors has determined the differences of stage 3 and stage 4 kidney failure. If you have any questions, you can talk with Online Doctor directly or email to renal-disease@hotmail.com

GFR

Glomerular Filtration Rate is on of reliable indicator to reflect how well your kidneys are working.

Actually, a person with stage 3 kidney disease has moderate kidney damage. To be precise, this stage is broken up into two parts: a decrease in GFR for stage 3A is 45-59ml/min and a decrease in GFR for Stage 3B is 30-44ml/min.

However, for stage 4 kidney failure, it is a severe stage of kidney disease with a severe decrease in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) to 15-30ml/min. Usually, patients are recommended to make preparations for dialysis or kidney transplant.

Symptoms

Due to different degrees of kidney damage, patients will suffer from different symptoms.

Stage 3 renal failure patients may suffer from some symptoms including fatigue, fluid retention, swelling, proteinuria, anemia, kidney pain, itching and so on.

Patients with stage 4 kidney failure will suffer from more serious conditions including symptoms in stage 3. Due to severe decline of renal function, patients may have nerve problems, digestive problems, intestinal diseases, cardiovascular diseases, brain disease and so on.

The mentioned above is the general introduction of difference of stage 3 and stage 4 kidney failure. To know more info, do feel free to contact us!