End-Stage Renal Disease
Alternate Names : ESRD, End-Stage Kidney Disease, End-Stage Renal Failure
End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a condition in which there is a
permanent and almost complete loss of kidney function. The kidney functions at
less than 10% of its normal capacity
What is going on in the body?
Diabetes and high blood pressure are two diseases that cause more
than 60% of all cases of end-stage renal disease in the US. Other conditions
that can lead to end-stage renal disease include:
glomerulonephritis, which is
swelling and scarring of the filtering part of the kidneys
polycystic kidneys, an
inherited disorder in which cysts enlarge the kidney
interstitial disease, a swelling of the bladder wall
obstructive uropathy, or a blockage in the urinary system
systemic lupus erythematosus,
in which there is long-term swelling of the joints, skin, and other organs
multiple myeloma, a cancer of the bone marrow
In end-stage renal disease, toxins slowly build up in the body. Normal kidneys
remove these toxins from the body through urine. The toxins most commonly found
are called urea and creatinine. By measuring these waste products in the blood,
healthcare providers can tell if the kidneys are functioning normally.
What are the causes and risks of the disease?
The risk of end-stage renal disease is increased for
older persons
men
blacks
those with a family history of the disease
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