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Chronic renal failure

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Kidney failure - chronic; Renal failure - chronic; Chronic renal insufficiency; CRF; Chronic kidney failure

Treatment:

Treatment focuses on controlling the symptoms, minimizing complications, and slowing the progression of the disease.

Associated diseases that cause or result from chronic kidney failure must be controlled. High blood pressure, congestive heart failure , urinary tract infections , kidney stones , obstructions of the urinary tract, glomerulonephritis , and other disorders should be treated as appropriate.

Blood transfusions or medications such as iron and erythropoietin supplements may be needed to control anemia .

Fluid intake may be restricted, often to an amount equal to the volume of urine produced. Dietary protein restriction may slow the build-up of wastes in the bloodstream and control associated symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Salt, potassium, phosphorus, and other electrolytes may be restricted.

Dialysis or kidney transplant may be required eventually.

Support Groups:

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):

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:

• End-stage renal disease
• Pericarditis
• Cardiac tamponade
• Congestive heart failure
• Hypertension
• Platelet dysfunction
• Loss of blood from the gastrointestinal tract
• Ulcers
• Hemorrhage
• Anemia
• Hepatitis B , Hepatitis C , liver failure
• Decreased functioning of white blood cells
• Decreased immune response
• Increased incidence of infection
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Seizures
• Encephalopathy, nerve damage, dementia
• Weakening of the bones
• Fractures
• Joint disorders
• Changes in glucose metabolism
• Electrolyte abnormalities including hyperkalemia
• Decreased libido, impotence
• Miscarriage , menstrual irregularities , infertility
• Skin dryness, itching /scratching with resultant skin infection

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if nausea or vomiting persists for more than 2 weeks.

Call your health care provider if decreased urine output or other symptoms of chronic renal failure occur.

• Review Date: 9/13/2005
• Reviewed By: Robert Mushnick, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, SUNY Downstate Health Center, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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