end-stage renal disease

End-stage renal disease (ESRD), also known as kidney failure, is a severe condition where the kidneys' function is reduced to less than one-tenth of normal capacity or is completely lost. This deterioration can stem from various causes, with chronic pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, high blood pressure, and urinary tract obstructions being common culprits. Diabetic nephropathy, a complication of diabetes mellitus, is a leading cause of ESRD.12

The pathology involves progressive destruction of nephrons, the functional units of the kidney responsible for filtering waste from the blood. Symptoms can range from thirst and frequent urination to severe uremia, characterized by a buildup of waste products like urea in the blood, leading to potential coma and convulsions. Treatment options include dialysis, which artificially filters the blood, and kidney transplantation.213