Chronic kidney disease, also known as renal failure, is defined as low glomerular filtratation rate (GFR), a term used to describe kidney function, for more than 3 months, according to Justin Glass, M.D., of Emory Family Medicine. Stage 3 chronic renal failure, described as a moderate decrease in kidney function, with a GFR of 30 to 59, affects 7.6 million Americans, Case Western Reserve University states. Patients may notice few symptoms of stage 3 renal failure.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a symptom of chronic kidney disease (CKD) because by stage 3, patients have often developed anemia, or low red blood cell count. Because red blood cells carry oxygen in the form of hemoglobin, the decrease in circulating cells results in decreased oxygenation and fatigue. Anemia can be treated with iron supplementation if mild, and drugs that stimulate red blood cell production if severe.
Fluid Retention
Shifts in protein levels as protein is lost through the urine in stage 3 renal disease can cause fluid retention. This may be seen mostly in the lower extremities as edema of the feet and legs. Face and hands may also show signs of fluid retention.
Hypertension
Patients with stage 3 CKD are often hypertensive, which means they have high blood pressure. This occurs because excess fluid is retained and because of electrolyte imbalances related to decreased kidney function. Hypertension is found in 50 to 75 percent of all patients with CKD, Glass says, and should be treated with anti-hypertensives.
Urinary Symptoms
Chronic kidney disease can result in red blood cells, white blood cells and protein in the urine. Urinary frequency and urgency as well as burning on urination, might also be experiences, according to Case Western Reserve University.
Abnormal Lab Values
By stage 3 of chronic renal failure, protein and blood are often found in the urine as the kidney loses its ability to retain these proteins. Creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), which show how well the kidneys are excreting waste, rise. Low calcium levels and high parathyroid and phosphate levels may indicate bone disease, according to Glass, who also states that people with stage 3 CKD should have these levels tested every 12 months.
