Kidney Failure (Print Version)

Also called: Also called: End-stage renal disease, ESRD, Renal failure

Healthy kidneys clean your blood by removing excess fluid, minerals and wastes. They also make hormones that keep your bones strong and your blood healthy. But if the kidneys are damaged, they don't work properly. Harmful wastes can build up in your body. Your blood pressure may rise. Your body may retain excess fluid and not make enough red blood cells. This is called kidney failure.

If your kidneys fail, you need treatment to replace the work they normally do. The treatment options are dialysis or a kidney transplant. Each treatment has benefits and drawbacks. No matter which treatment you choose, you'll need to make some changes in your life, including how you eat and plan your activities. But with the help of healthcare providers, family and friends, most people with kidney failure can lead full and active lives.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Start Here

Kidney Failure(American Academy of Family Physicians) - http://www.aafp.org/afp/20030615/2539ph.html
Kidney Failure(Patient Education Institute) - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tutorials/kidneyfailure/htm/index.htm
Also available in Spanish http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/spanish/tutorials/kidneyfailurespanish/htm/index.htm
Kidney Failure: Choosing a Treatment That's Right for You(National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases) - http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/choosingtreatment/
Also available in Spanish http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/spanish/pubs/choosingtreatment/index.htm

Overviews

Introduction to the Kidneys and Chronic Kidney Disease(National Kidney Foundation) - http://www.kidney.org/patients/plu/plu_intro/index.cfm
JAMA Patient Page: Kidney Failure(American Medical Association) - Links to PDF - http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/reprint/301/6/686.pdf
Kidney (Renal) Failure(American Urological Association) - http://urologyhealth.org/pediatric/index.cfm?cat=08&topic=120
Also available in Spanish http://www.urologyhealth.org/espanol/espanol.cfm?topic=120
Kidney Disease Overview(National Kidney Disease Education Program) - http://www.nkdep.nih.gov/patients/
You Can Live: Your Guide for Living with Kidney Failure(Dept. of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) - Large PDF file - http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/02119.pdf
Also available in Spanish http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/02119_S.pdf