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Chronic renal failure

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Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Kidney anatomy
Kidney anatomy
Kidney - blood and urine flow
Kidney - blood and urine flow
White nail syndrome
White nail syndrome

Alternative Names    Return to top

Kidney failure - chronic; Renal failure - chronic; Chronic renal insufficiency; Chronic kidney failure

Definition    Return to top

Chronic renal failure is a slowly worsening loss of the ability of the kidneys to remove wastes, concentrate urine, and conserve electrolytes.

Causes    Return to top

Unlike acute renal failure, chronic renal failure slowly gets worse. It most often results from any disease that causes gradual loss of kidney function. It can range from mild dysfunction to severe kidney failure. The disease may lead to end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Chronic renal failure usually occurs over a number of years as the internal structures of the kidney are slowly damaged. In the early stages, there may be no symptoms. In fact, progression may be so slow that symptoms do not occur until kidney function is less than one-tenth of normal.

Chronic renal failure and ESRD affect more than 2 out of 1,000 people in the United States. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two most common causes and account for most cases. Other major causes include:

Chronic renal failure results in an accumulation of fluid and waste products in the body, leading to a build up of nitrogen waste products in the blood (azotemia) and general ill health. Most body systems are affected by chronic renal failure.

Symptoms    Return to top

Initial symptoms may include the following:

Later symptoms may include the following:

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

Exams and Tests    Return to top

There may be mild to severe high blood pressure. A neurologic examination may show polyneuropathy. Abnormal heart or lung sounds may be heard with a stethoscope.

A urinalysis may show protein or other abnormalities. An abnormal urinalysis may occur 6 months to 10 or more years before symptoms appear.

Signs of chronic renal failure, including both kidneys being smaller than normal, may be seen on:

This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:

Treatment    Return to top

The goal of treatment is to control symptoms, reduce complications, and slow the progression of the disease.

Diseases that cause or result from chronic kidney failure must be controlled and treated as appropriate.

Blood transfusions or medications such as iron and erythropoietin supplements may be needed to control anemia.

Fluids may be restricted, often to an amount equal to the volume of urine produced. Restricting the amount of protein in the diet may slow the build up of wastes in the blood and control associated symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

Salt, potassium, phosphorus, and other electrolytes may be restricted.

Dialysis or kidney transplant may eventually be needed.

Support Groups    Return to top

See: Kidney disease - support group

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

There is no cure for chronic renal failure. Untreated, it usually progresses to end-stage renal disease. Lifelong treatment may control the symptoms of chronic renal failure.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if nausea or vomiting persists for more than 2 weeks.

Call your health care provider if decreased urine outputĀ or other symptoms of chronic renal failure occur.

Prevention    Return to top

Treatment of the underlying disorders may help prevent or delay development of chronic renal failure. Diabetics should control blood sugar and blood pressure closely and should refrain from smoking.

Update Date: 8/14/2007

Updated by: Charles Silberberg, DO, Private Practice specializing in Nephrology, Affiliated with New York Medical College, Division of Nephrology, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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