Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to control symptoms, reduce complications, and slow the progression of the disease.

Diseases that cause or result from chronic kidney failure must be controlled and treated as appropriate.

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

Fluids may be restricted, often to an amount equal to the volume of urine produced. Restricting the amount of protein in the diet may slow the build up of wastes in the blood and control associated symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

Salt, potassium, phosphorus, and other electrolytes may be restricted.

Dialysis or kidney transplant may eventually be needed.

Support Groups:

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:

• Anemia
• Cardiac tamponade
• Changes in blood sugar metabolism
• Congestive heart failure
• Decreased functioning of white blood cells
• Decreased immune response
• Decreased libido, impotence
• Dementia
• Electrolyte abnormalities including hyperkalemia
• Encephalopathy
• End-stage renal disease
• Fractures
• Hemorrhage
• High blood pressure
• Increased infections
• Joint disorders
• Liver inflammation (hepatitis B or hepatitis C)
• Liver failure
• Loss of blood from the gastrointestinal tract
• Menstrual irregularities,mscarriage, infertility
• Nerve damage
• Pericarditis
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Platelet dysfunction
• Ulcers
• Seizures
• Skin dryness, itching /scratching with resultant skin infection
• Weakening of the bones

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.