 | | | | Medical Health Encyclopedia | |
End-stage kidney disease
Definition:
End-stage kidney disease is a complete or near complete failure of the kidneys to function to excrete wastes, concentrate urine, and regulate electrolytes. Also called End-stage renal disease (ESRD). Alternative Names:
Renal failure - end stage; Kidney failure - end stage; ESRD Text Continues Below
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
End-stage kidney disease occurs when the kidneys are no longer able to function at a level that is necessary for day to day life. It usually occurs as chronic renal failure worsens to the point where kidney function is less than 10% of normal. At this point, the kidney function is so low that without dialysis or kidney transplantation, complications are multiple and severe, and death will occur from accumulation of fluids and waste products in the body. In the U.S., more than 400,000 people are on long-term dialysis and more than 20,000 have a functioning transplanted kidney. The most common cause of ESRD in the U.S. is diabetes. ESRD almost always follows chronic kidney failure, which may exist for 10-20 years or more before progressing to become ESRD.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. | |
| 
.gif)
