Chronic Kidney Disease/End Stage Renal Disease (CKD 5/ESRD)
ESRD stands for end-stage renal disease, it is stage 5 of chronic kidney disease (CKD) where the kidneys have lost almost all their functioning ability. In this stage, the kidneys are unable to adequately filter waste products and excess fluids from the blood, resulting in a buildup of toxins and fluid imbalance in the body. ESRD is a serious condition that requires immediate medical intervention.
Renal replacement therapy is offered for patients with ESRD. The options for renal replacement therapy (RRT) are dialysis or transplantation.
It is always important for the patient to discuss these options with the treating nephrologist and be involved in the decision-making.
