Renal Failure Center

Renal failure refers to temporary or permanent damage to the kidneys that results in loss of normal kidney function. There are two different types of renal failure: acute and chronic. Acute renal failure has an abrupt onset and is potentially reversible. Chronic failure progresses slowly over at least 3 months and can lead to permanent renal failure. The causes, symptoms, treatments, and outcomes of acute and chronic are different.

Conditions that may lead to acute or chronic renal failure may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Myocardial infarction – a heart attack may lead to temporary kidney failure
• Diabetic nephropathy - diabetes can cause permanent changes, leading to kidney damage
• Rhabdomyolysis - kidney damage that can occur from muscle breakdown; this condition can occur as a result of severe dehydration, infection, or other causes
• Hypertension - chronic high blood pressure (hypertension) can lead to permanent kidney damage
• Decreased blood flow to the kidneys for a period of time; this may occur from blood loss or shock
• Lupus (SLE) - a chronic inflammatory/autoimmune disease that can injure the skin, joints, kidneys, and nervous system
• Obstruction or blockage along the urinary tract
• A prolonged urinary tract obstruction or blockage
• Hemolytic uremic syndrome - usually caused by an E. coli infection; kidney failure develops as a result of obstruction to the small functional structures and vessels inside the kidney
• Alport’s syndrome - an inherited disorder that causes deafness, progressive kidney damage, and eye defects
• Ingestion of certain medications that may cause toxicity to the kidneys
• Nephrotic syndrome - a condition that has several different causes; nephrotic syndrome is characterized by protein in the urine, low protein in the blood, high cholesterol levels, and tissue swelling
• Glomerulonephritis - a type of kidney disease that involves glomeruli; during glomerulonephritis, the glomeruli become inflamed and impair the kidney's ability to filter urine; glomerulonephritis may lead to chronic renal failure in some individuals
• Polycystic kidney disease - a genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts filled with fluid in the kidneys
• Any condition that may impair the flow of oxygen and blood to the kidneys, such as cardiac arrest
• Cystinosis - an inherited disorder whereby the kidneys have excessive excretion or certain amino acids; this leads to severe kidney stones
• Interstitial nephritis or pyelonephritis - an inflammation to the small internal structures in the kidney

What is end-stage renal disease (ESRD)?

End-stage renal disease is when the kidneys permanently fail to work.