Patients Information and Guideline
Kidney Failure
Renal Failure (Kidney Failure)
Renal failure, also known as kidney failure, occurs when one or both of your kidneys can no longer function properly on their own.
Types of Kidney Failure
- Acute Kidney Failure: This type of kidney failure can occur suddenly and is sometimes temporary.
- Chronic Kidney Failure: A long-term condition that gradually worsens over time.
If left untreated, end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) — the most severe form of kidney failure — can be fatal. Without treatment, survival may last only a few days or weeks. However, with proper care, kidney failure can be managed, allowing patients to maintain a good quality of life.
How Do the Kidneys Function?
The kidneys are bean-shaped organs, roughly the size of your fist, located beneath your ribs toward your back. Most people have two functioning kidneys, though one healthy kidney can sustain life.
Functions of the Kidneys
- Remove toxins and waste products from your blood (through urine).
- Regulate body fluids, electrolytes, and blood pressure.
- Help produce red blood cells and maintain bone health.
When kidneys fail to function properly, waste products build up in the body, leading to illness and potentially death without medical treatment. With appropriate care, many people can successfully manage kidney failure.
Prevalence of Kidney Failure
- More than 750,000 Americans suffer from kidney failure each year.
- Approximately 2 million people worldwide are affected.
Five Stages of End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
Kidney disease is classified into stages based on your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) — a blood test that measures how well your kidneys filter waste.
| Stage | eGFR Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Stage I | 90 or higher | Mild damage; normal function |
| Stage II | 60–89 | Moderate damage; kidneys still function well |
| Stage III | 30–59 | Mild to severe loss of kidney function |
| Stage IV | 15–29 | Severe loss of kidney function |
| Stage V | Below 15 | Complete or near-complete kidney failure |
Symptoms and Causes
Common Symptoms of Kidney Failure
In early stages, symptoms may be minimal or absent. However, as kidney disease progresses, you may notice:
- Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Swelling (edema) in hands, ankles, or face
- Changes in urination frequency
- Muscle cramps
- Dry or itchy skin
- Poor appetite or metallic taste in mouth
Risk Factors for Kidney Failure
- Have diabetes
- Have high blood pressure (hypertension)
- Have heart disease
- Have a family history of kidney disease
- Have abnormal kidney structure
- Are over 60 years old
- Are Black
- Have a long history of pain reliever (NSAID) use
Complications of Kidney Failure
Because kidneys perform many essential functions, kidney failure can cause several complications:
- High blood pressure
- Anemia
- Bone disease
- Fluid buildup around lungs
- Nerve damage
- Electrolyte imbalance
Note: Having kidney failure does not necessarily mean death is near. With the right treatment plan — including medications, lifestyle adjustments, and a proper diet — the condition can be managed effectively.
Replacement Therapy
Dialysis
Dialysis helps filter waste and excess fluid from your blood, giving your kidneys some relief.
Types of Dialysis
- Hemodialysis: Blood is filtered through a machine at a hospital or dialysis center, usually performed three to four times a week.
- Peritoneal Dialysis: A dialysis solution is introduced into your abdominal cavity via a catheter. The solution absorbs waste and fluid before being drained back into a bag and can sometimes be performed at home.
