End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), also known as End-Stage Kidney Disease, is the final stage of chronic Kidney Failure. When kidneys fail to function adequately, they can no longer remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood, leading to a condition where the kidneys work at less than 15% of their normal capacity. This stage necessitates dialysis or a Kidney Transplant for survival.
The recognition of ESRD as a distinct medical condition evolved over time. Initially, kidney failure was often fatal due to the lack of treatment options. The development of dialysis in the 1940s by Dr. Willem Kolff marked a pivotal moment, offering hope for those with ESRD. Over the decades, advancements in both dialysis technology and transplant surgery have significantly improved the life expectancy and quality of life for patients with ESRD.
ESRD can result from various underlying conditions such as:
The kidneys lose their ability to filter blood effectively, leading to an accumulation of toxins, fluid retention, and imbalances in electrolytes and acid-base homeostasis.
Common symptoms include:
Treatment options for ESRD include:
ESRD has a significant impact on public health due to its high treatment costs and the complexity of care required. According to the United States Renal Data System, approximately 786,000 people were living with ESRD in the U.S. in 2018, with an annual incidence of about 130,000 new cases.
Patients with ESRD face numerous challenges including: