Conditions
CKD stage 5
Quick answer
CKD stage 5 is kidney failure. The eGFR is below 15, or the person is already on dialysis. Treatment choices are dialysis, a kidney transplant, or conservative care focused on comfort. Most people need one of these to manage waste and fluid build-up.
Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team · Last updated 2026-10-24
What this stage or type means
- eGFR below 15 for three months, or already receiving dialysis.
- Roughly 85 to 90 percent of kidney function has been lost.
- Fluid overload, high potassium and severe tiredness are common without treatment.
- Stage 5 without dialysis is sometimes labelled '5ND'; on dialysis it is '5D'.
- Decisions now centre on when and how to replace kidney function.
Treatment options
Haemodialysis
Blood is cleaned by a machine, usually several sessions every week, through a fistula or catheter.
Peritoneal dialysis
Fluid is run in and out of the belly through a soft tube, often at home. Suits people who want independence from a unit.
Living donor kidney transplant
Gives the most freedom for suitable patients. A related donor must be assessed and approved.
ABO-incompatible transplant
When the donor's blood group does not match, special preparation can still make a transplant possible in selected cases.
Conservative care
Medicines and support to control symptoms without dialysis, for those who choose it.
Tests that confirm it
- eGFR and creatinine
- Potassium, bicarbonate, haemoglobin
- Chest X-ray or echo for fluid and heart status
- Blood group and HLA typing for transplant
- Donor cross-match if transplant is planned
Outlook
Kidney failure cannot be reversed, but people can live long, full lives on dialysis or after a transplant. A successful transplant usually offers more freedom than dialysis. Your team explains which option fits your health.
Planning treatment in India
- A living donor transplant trip lasts several weeks for both patient and donor, covering tests, committee approval, surgery and early recovery.
- Send blood groups, ID and relationship documents for patient and donor early, because approval paperwork takes time.
- If you are already on dialysis, book sessions in the Indian hospital before you fly.
- After a transplant, plan regular blood tests at home to check kidney function and anti-rejection drug levels.
Questions to ask your specialist
- Am I fit enough for a transplant?
- Is my donor's blood group compatible, and if not, what are the options?
- How many weeks should we plan to stay?
- Can I do peritoneal dialysis at home?
- Who will monitor my anti-rejection medicines back home?
Related treatments
- Dialysis
- Kidney Transplant
- ABO-Incompatible Kidney Transplant
- AV Fistula Creation for Dialysis
- Donor Nephrectomy
Other stages and types
Frequently asked questions
Is stage 5 the same as end-stage renal disease?
They overlap. ESRD usually means kidney failure treated with dialysis or transplant. Stage 5 includes people not yet on dialysis.
Can my brother or cousin donate a kidney in India?
Close relatives are usually accepted as donors under Indian transplant rules. More distant relatives need extra documentation and approval.
Do I need to start dialysis immediately at stage 5?
Not always. Timing depends on symptoms, fluid and blood results. Your nephrologist decides.
Sources
Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team. Last updated 2026-10-24. General information, not medical advice. Medical editorial board · Editorial policy · How we get prices
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