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You are here : 3-RX.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Chronic Renal Failure: Diagnosis & Tests
      Category : Health Centers > Urinary System & Kidneys

Chronic Renal Failure

Alternate Names : CRF, Chronic Kidney Failure

Chronic Renal Failure | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring

How is the disease diagnosed?

Although chronic renal failure usually has no symptoms, a physical examination by a doctor can be helpful. Since many diseases lead to chronic renal failure, the path to diagnosis can vary. There are a few common abnormalities associated with this condition.

  • A urinalysis may show protein, red blood cells, or different types of casts, which are structures made when minerals collect on the walls of the kidneys.
  • A blood sample may show elevated creatinine and urea nitrogen, which are both toxins.
  • Levels of erythropoietin, a hormone produced by the kidneys, may be low.
  • Levels of serum potassium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, magnesium, and calcium may be high.
  • Malnourishment can result.
  • Kidneys may be small and scarred.
  • If the underlying kidney disease causing CRF is unclear, the doctor may decide to do a kidney biopsy.


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    Chronic Renal Failure: Symptoms & Signs

     

    Chronic Renal Failure: Prevention & Expectations

    Author: Rajnish K. Dhingra, MD
    Reviewer: Lisa Sterling, PharmD
    Date Reviewed: 02/11/02



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