N18: Chronic kidney disease

N18.1: Chronic kidney disease, stage 1

Chronic kidney disease, stage 1 (CKD) is a medical condition that signifies the earliest stage of kidney disease. The kidneys' main function is to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood, which are then excreted in the urine. In the initial phase of chronic kidney disease, the kidneys are still capable of performing their job, but not as well as they should. This stage is typically asymptomatic, meaning patients often don't exhibit any noticeable symptoms. Kidney function is deemed to be normal or only mildly reduced. However, signs of kidney damage may be detected through lab tests, for instance, presence of protein in urine, or abnormal findings on kidney imaging tests. CKD stage 1 is commonly caused by diabetes and high blood pressure, among other factors. If left unchecked, the condition could progress over time, potentially leading to more severe stages of chronic kidney disease.