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 to maintain the body's balance of fluids, electrolytes, and waste products. At this stage, patients typically require dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive, as their kidneys have lost approximately 85-90% of their normal function, leading to significant health risks and complications.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. End-stage renal disease affects approximately 750,000 people in the United States, and this number continues to rise due to factors like diabetes and hypertension.
2. Patients with ESRD often experience symptoms such as fatigue, swelling, difficulty breathing, and changes in urination patterns due to fluid overload and toxin accumulation.
3. Dialysis can be performed through hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, each with different methods for filtering waste from the blood.
4. The treatment for ESRD often involves strict dietary modifications, including limiting protein, phosphorus, and potassium intake to reduce the burden on remaining kidney function.
5. Early detection and management of chronic kidney disease can help delay the progression to end-stage renal disease, emphasizing the importance of regular kidney function monitoring.

Review Questions

• How does end-stage renal disease impact the body's overall function and what are the typical treatment options available?
  • End-stage renal disease significantly disrupts the body's ability to maintain homeostasis due to the kidneys' inability to filter waste and balance fluids and electrolytes. As a result, toxins build up in the bloodstream, which can lead to severe health complications. The primary treatment options for ESRD include dialysis—either hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis—and kidney transplantation, both of which aim to replace or assist the failing kidneys in their vital functions.
• Discuss the relationship between chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease, including factors that may accelerate this progression.
  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a gradual decline in kidney function that can ultimately lead to end-stage renal disease if not properly managed. Factors such as uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension are major contributors that accelerate the progression from CKD to ESRD. Regular monitoring of kidney function and proactive management of underlying conditions are essential in preventing CKD from advancing to its final stage.
• Evaluate how lifestyle choices can influence the progression of chronic kidney disease into end-stage renal disease and what preventive measures can be taken.
  • Lifestyle choices such as diet, exercise, and medication adherence play a crucial role in managing chronic kidney disease and potentially preventing its progression into end-stage renal disease. Maintaining a balanced diet low in sodium, phosphorus, and protein can help reduce stress on the kidneys. Regular physical activity improves overall health and can help manage comorbid conditions like obesity and diabetes. Additionally, strict adherence to prescribed medications is critical for controlling blood pressure and blood sugar levels, ultimately delaying the onset of ESRD.

Related terms

Dialysis: A medical procedure that performs the functions of the kidneys by removing waste products and excess fluids from the blood when the kidneys can no longer do so.

Chronic Kidney Disease: A progressive loss of kidney function over time, often leading to end-stage renal disease if not managed properly.

Kidney Transplant: A surgical procedure that involves placing a healthy kidney from a donor into a patient whose kidneys are no longer functioning properly.