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Alternative names Return to top
Kidney failure - chronic; Renal failure - chronic; Chronic renal insufficiency; CRF; Chronic kidney failureDefinition Return to top
Chronic renal failure is a gradual and progressive loss of the ability of the kidneys to excrete wastes, concentrate urine, and conserve electrolytes.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Unlike acute renal failure with its sudden reversible failure of kidney function, chronic renal failure is slowly progressive. It most often results from any disease that causes gradual loss of kidney function. It can range from mild dysfunction to severe kidney failure. Progression may continue 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 gradual 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 hypertension are the two commonest causes and account for approximately two thirds of the cases of chronic renal failure and ESRD. Other major causes include the following:
Chronic renal failure results in the accumulation of fluid and waste products in the body, causing azotemia and uremia. Azotemia is the buildup of nitrogen waste products in the blood. It may occur without symptoms. Uremia is the state of ill health resulting from renal failure. Most body systems are affected by chronic renal failure. Fluid retention and uremia can cause many complications.
Symptoms Return to top
Initial symptoms may include the following:Later symptoms may include the following:
Signs and tests Return to top
Blood pressure may be high, with mild to severe hypertension. A neurologic examination may show polyneuropathy. Abnormal heart or lung sounds may be heard with a stethoscope.Treatment Return to top
Treatment focuses on controlling the symptoms, minimizing complications, and slowing the progression of the disease.Support Groups Return to top
The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See kidney disease - support group.Expectations (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.Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if nausea or vomiting persists for more than 2 weeks.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: 10/17/2003 Updated by: Irfan A. Agha, M.D., Department of Medicine, Renal Division, St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |