KDIGO 2012 CKD staging integrates eGFR (G1–G5) with albuminuria category (A1–A3). Risk of progression and cardiovascular events is determined by the combined cell in this heat-map grid. G1 or G2 with A1 does not constitute CKD unless structural kidney abnormality is present.
Anaemia of CKD is primarily normocytic normochromic due to EPO deficiency. Hepcidin (elevated in CKD) blocks iron release from stores and intestinal absorption, adding a functional iron deficiency. ESA therapy targets Hb 10–12 g/dL; exceeding 13 g/dL increases stroke and thrombosis risk (CHOIR, CREATE trials).