🚨 Your Kidney Function Results – Stage 5 CKD (Late)

eGFR < 8 mL/min – severe end‑stage kidney disease. Renal replacement therapy is **urgently needed** in most cases.

🚨 URGENT – need dialysis evaluation within days.

📊 Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)

0 mL/min Stage 5 – Very severe (<8)

Medical description: At this level of kidney function, the kidneys can no longer maintain life without intervention. Symptoms of uraemia (nausea, fatigue, itching, confusion, fluid overload, electrolyte imbalances) are common and often progressive. Dialysis or kidney transplantation is required to sustain life.

⚠️ URGENT: You should see a nephrologist immediately – within days, not weeks. Delaying dialysis beyond GFR < 7 mL/min increases the risk of serious complications (uraemic pericarditis, seizures, cardiac arrest).

🔄 Decision: Start dialysis now or wait until GFR < 7 mL/min?

Based on current guidelines and your eGFR of 0 mL/min, most experts recommend starting dialysis immediately, especially if you have any uraemic symptoms. However, some patients with very stable labs and no symptoms may choose to wait until eGFR drops below 7 mL/min under close medical supervision.

📌 The linked script `dialysis_decision.php` should provide stage‑specific advice based on your choice (e.g., immediate dialysis planning or close monitoring every 1‑2 weeks until GFR <7).

📋 Assess your symptoms – when to start dialysis urgently

Check any symptoms you currently have. The more symptoms, the more urgent the need for dialysis.

🩺 How to start renal replacement therapy

1️⃣ Emergency vs planned access

If you need dialysis urgently, a temporary central venous catheter (in neck or chest) is placed. It has higher infection risk. Ideally, an AV fistula or graft should be created weeks in advance – but at GFR <8, you may not have that luxury.

2️⃣ Choose dialysis modality

In‑centre haemodialysis (3x/week, 4 hours each)
Home haemodialysis (more flexible, better outcomes)
Peritoneal dialysis (daily, can be done at home)

3️⃣ Kidney transplant evaluation

Even at stage 5, you can be listed for a deceased donor transplant or evaluated for living donor. Start the process immediately – waiting time can be years.

💡 Key point: Dialysis does not “cure” kidney failure, but it removes toxins and fluid, allowing you to live for many years. Many people on dialysis work, travel, and enjoy life. Transplantation offers the best long‑term outcomes.

📚 Immediate next steps

Contact your nephrologist today – if you don't have one, go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Bring all recent lab results (creatinine, potassium, bicarbonate, haemoglobin, calcium, phosphate).
Discuss creation of vascular access (if not already done).
Ask about dietary restrictions – very low potassium, phosphorus, and fluid intake may be needed immediately.
If you choose to postpone until GFR <7, monitor symptoms daily and repeat labs every 1‑2 weeks.

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