End-stage renal disease

Definition

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is the final stage of chronic kidney disease, where the kidneys are no longer able to function effectively and require dialysis or a kidney transplant for survival. At this point, the kidneys have lost about 90% of their ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood, leading to severe health complications if not managed. ESRD is closely linked to urinary tract disorders, as these conditions can contribute to the deterioration of kidney function over time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ESRD affects approximately 750,000 people in the United States, with a significant proportion requiring dialysis or transplants.
2. Common causes of ESRD include diabetes, hypertension, and glomerulonephritis, all of which can damage the kidneys over time.
3. Patients with ESRD often experience symptoms like fatigue, swelling, and changes in urination, which reflect their kidneys' inability to filter waste effectively.
4. Managing ESRD typically involves regular monitoring and treatment plans that may include dietary changes, medications, dialysis, or preparing for transplantation.
5. The progression from chronic kidney disease to ESRD can often be slowed down with early diagnosis and appropriate management of underlying health conditions.

Review Questions

• How does chronic kidney disease progress to end-stage renal disease, and what role do urinary tract disorders play in this progression?
  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) progresses through several stages based on declining kidney function. As CKD advances, various factors such as urinary tract infections or obstruction can exacerbate kidney damage and hasten the transition to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Urinary tract disorders can lead to complications like recurrent infections or scarring of kidney tissue, ultimately contributing to the loss of renal function that defines ESRD.
• Discuss the treatment options available for managing end-stage renal disease and how they address the complications associated with reduced kidney function.
  • Treatment for end-stage renal disease includes dialysis and kidney transplantation as primary options. Dialysis helps manage fluid balance and removes toxins from the bloodstream when the kidneys are unable to do so. A kidney transplant offers a more permanent solution by replacing the damaged kidneys with a healthy one from a donor. Both treatments aim to improve quality of life and mitigate complications such as electrolyte imbalances and fluid overload that arise from impaired kidney function.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of living with end-stage renal disease on a patient's lifestyle and health outcomes compared to those who maintain normal kidney function.
  • Living with end-stage renal disease poses significant long-term implications for a patient's lifestyle and overall health outcomes. Patients may experience restrictions in diet and fluid intake, frequent medical appointments for dialysis, and the psychological burden associated with chronic illness. In contrast, individuals with normal kidney function typically enjoy greater autonomy and fewer health-related constraints. The challenges faced by those with ESRD can lead to increased healthcare costs, diminished quality of life, and heightened risks of comorbid conditions such as cardiovascular disease.

Related terms

Dialysis: A medical procedure that artificially removes waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys can no longer perform this function.

Chronic kidney disease: A long-term condition characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function over time, which can lead to ESRD if untreated.

Kidney transplant: A surgical procedure in which a healthy kidney from a donor is placed into a person whose kidneys are no longer functioning properly.