Saturday, February, 11, 2012

End-stage kidney disease

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Renal failure - end stage; Kidney failure - end stage; ESRD


Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

  • General ill feeling and fatigue
  • Generalized itching (pruritus) and dry skin
  • Headaches
  • Weight loss without trying
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea

Other symptoms may develop, including:

  • Abnormally dark or light skin and changes in nails
  • Bone pain
  • Brain and nervous system symptoms
    • Drowsiness and confusion
    • Problems concentrating or thinking
    • Numbness in the hands, feet, or other areas
    • Muscle twitching or cramps
  • Breath odor
  • Easy bruising, nosebleeds, or blood in the stool
  • Excessive thirst
  • Frequent hiccups
  • Low level of sexual interest and impotence
  • Menstrual periods stop (amenorrhea)
  • Sleep problems, such as insomnia, restless leg syndrome, or obstructive sleep apnea
  • Swelling of the feet and hands (edema)
  • Vomiting, especially in the morning

Signs and tests

High blood pressure almost always occurs during end-stage kidney disease. A brain and nervous system (neurologic) examination may show signs of nerve damage. The health care provider may hear abnormal heart or lung sounds with a stethoscope.

Patients with end-stage kidney disease will make much less urine, or urine production may stop.

End-stage kidney disease changes the results of many tests. Patients receiving dialysis will need these and other tests done often:

  • Potassium
  • Sodium
  • Albumin
  • Phosphorous
  • Calcium
  • Cholesterol
  • Magnesium
  • Complete blood count (CBC)
  • Electrolytes

This disease may also change the results of the following tests:

  • Erythropoietin
  • PTH
  • Bone density test

Review Date: 08/31/2010
Reviewed By: Charles Silberberg, DO, Private Practice specializing in Nephrology, Affiliated with New York Medical College, Division of Nephrology, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)