End-stage Renal Disease | | |
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Definition of End-stage Renal DiseaseEnd-stage renal disease (ESRD) is that stage of kidney impairment which is irreversible, cannot be controlled by conservative management alone, and requires dialysis or kidney transplantation to maintain life.
Description of End-stage Renal DiseaseThere are two types of kidney failure: acute and chronic. Acute kidney failure is a temporary decline in kidney function that can most often be corrected. Chronic kidney failure, on the other hand, is a permanent condition, meaning that once it occurs, the kidneys cannot be made to function again. Chronic kidney failure may be the result of heredity, as with polycystic kidney disease, or may be caused by prolonged medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Persons with chronic renal failure are referred to as having end-stage renal disease. The term indicates that the patient must rely on some type of medical treatment to help replace the loss of kidney function. Text Continues Below
Treatment of End-stage Renal DiseaseThe treatment alternatives for ESRD include hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplantation. These are all viable treatment alternatives.
Questions To Ask Your Doctor About End-stage Renal DiseaseWhat treatment choices are there?
What are the pros and cons of hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the several types of peritoneal dialysis?
Which do you recommend?
Is this procedure preformed at home?
Is a transplant needed?
Are there donor organizations that can help in this case?
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