End stage renal disease is effectively the last stage of chronic kidney disease. It is renal failure.
Kidney disease is marked in five stages. In the earlier two stages, kidney disease is typically only diagnosed via regular checkups and blood work. In the later stages, kidney disease becomes more apparent through symptoms and discomfort. The final stage of kidney disease, or end stage renal disease, is when the kidneys can no longer function and perform their important jobs.
The stages of kidney disease are decided by a measurement known as the glomerular filtration rate, or GFR. The GFR is calculated using creatinine levels, as well as certain other factors such as age, race, and gender. Creatinine levels, which measure waste in the blood, are determined through simple blood work. The higher the creatinine levels the better. Once the GFR value has reached a low enough value, the patient is considered to be in end stage renal disease. [Read more…]