End Stage Renal Disease

The End Stage Renal Disease topic includes research on the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of this condition.

End stage renal disease (ESRD) is the most advanced stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD), occurring when the kidneys can no longer support the body’s needs.

The most common causes of ESRD in the United States are diabetes and hypertension, both of which can damage a person’s kidneys. ESRD typically occurs after a person has lived with CKD for a long time. The condition is treated with dialysis or a kidney transplant. Patients may also need to follow a restricted diet and take medication.