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End-Stage Renal Disease
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a condition in which there is a permanent and almost complete loss of kidney function. The kidney functions at less than 10% of its normal capacity
What is going on in the body?
Diabetes and high blood pressure are two diseases that cause more than 60% of all cases of end-stage renal disease in the US. Other conditions that can lead to end-stage renal disease include:
In end-stage renal disease, toxins slowly build up in the body. Normal kidneys remove these toxins from the body through urine. The toxins most commonly found are called urea and creatinine. By measuring these waste products in the blood, healthcare providers can tell if the kidneys are functioning normally.
What are the causes and risks of the disease?
The risk of end-stage renal disease is increased for