Definition of End-stage kidney disease:

End-stage kidney disease is the complete, or almost complete failure of the kidneys to function. The kidneys can no longer remove wastes, concentrate urine, and regulate electrolytes.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

End-stage kidney disease occurs when the kidneys are no longer able to function at a level that is necessary for day-to-day life. It usually occurs when chronic kidney failure has progressed to the point where kidney function is less than 10% of normal.

The most common cause of ESRD in the U.S. is diabetes. ESRD almost always follows chronic kidney failure. A person may have kidney failure for 10 - 20 years or more before progressing to ESRD.