Pope Francis Has 'Mild' Kidney Failure: What Is It?

Pope Francis: In a recent development, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized since February 14, has shown “initial, mild, kidney failure,” after a blood test was taken. The 88-year-old pontiff is also battling double pneumonia and a polymicrobial respiratory tract infection.

Also read: Pope Francis Battles Double Pneumonia After Polymicrobial Infection. Here's What You Need To Know About The Condition

What is a 'mild' kidney failure?

Mild kidney failure is stage 2 of the 6 stages a person experiences with kidney disease. The Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) in stage 2 remains between 60 and 89, meaning the kidney loses its functionality mildly, although it still works fine.

All stages of kidney failure

As per reports, the stages of kidney failure are determined by your Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) - a measure of the kidney's ability to filter. A GFR of 100 is the highest, and zero is the lowest. Check out the 6 stages of kidney failure as per WebMD.

• Stage 1: GFR 90 or higher (up to 100). Your kidneys still work normally but you may have mild damage.
• Stage 2: GFR 89 to 60. Your kidney function loss is mild and kidneys still work well.
• Stage 3: GFR 59 to 45. The loss of kidney function may be mild to moderate.
• Stage 4: GFR 44 to 30. Your kidney function loss is moderate to severe.
• Stage 5: GFR 29 to 15. You have severe loss of kidney function.
• Stage 6: GFR lower than 15. Your kidneys are close to or at complete failure.

What are the symptoms and risk factors of kidney failure?

Some of the most common symptoms in people with kidney disease are foamy urine, a frequent need to use the loo, swelling, and puffiness.

Often kidney failure is associated with other risk factors such as diabetes, heart failure, coronary artery disease, and high blood pressure, as per WebMD.