End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is that stage of kidney impairment which is irreversible, cannot be controlled by conservative management alone, and requires dialysis or kidney transplantation to maintain life.

There are two types of kidney failure: acute and chronic.

Acute kidney failure is a temporary decline in kidney function that can most often be corrected.

Chronic kidney failure, on the other hand, is a permanent condition, meaning that once it occurs, the kidneys cannot be made to function...