What is CKD? CKD is a state of slowly progressive decline in glomerular filtration function that is caused by various factors and eventually leads to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Strictly speaking, CKD (or CRF as it is traditionally called) is not a diagnostic term for the disease, but represents the common features of a variety of diseases at a particular stage of development. The concept of CKD has recently been introduced by nephrologists to draw the attention of governments, institutions, the general public and non-specialists to the risk of multiple diseases that may cause end-stage renal disease and CKD-related complications. The specialist’s definition of CKD 1. renal damage ≥ 3 months after presentation: including structural or functional abnormalities of the kidney with or without decreased GFR a. abnormal renal pathology; or b. clinical renal abnormalities, including abnormal blood or urine tests, or abnormal imaging 2. GFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 for ≥ 3 months with or without detectable renal damage