Conceptual model for chronic kidney disease

This diagram presents the continuum of development, progression and complications of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and strategies to improve outcomes. Green circles represent stages of CKD; aqua circles represent potential antecedents of CKD, lavender circles represent consequences of CKD; and thick arrows between circles represent the development, progression and remission of CKD. "CKD" is defined as the presence of either kidney damage or decreased kidney function for three or more months, irrespective of cause (underlying illness and pathology). "Complications" refers to all complications of CKD, including complications of decreased GFR, albuminuria and cardiovascular disease. Complications may also arise from adverse effects of interventions to prevent or treat the disease. The horizontal arrows pointing from left to right emphasize the progressive nature of CKD. Dashed arrowheads pointing from right to left signify that remission is less frequent than progression.