The last stage of kidney failure before death is end-stage renal failure, also known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
Understanding End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
ESRD represents the point where the kidneys can no longer function on their own to sustain life. The provided reference specifically defines end-stage renal failure (ESRD) as the "final, permanent stage of chronic kidney disease, where kidney function has declined to the point that the kidneys can no longer function on their own."
Key Aspects of ESRD
- Irreversible Damage: The damage to the kidneys at this stage is irreversible.
- Loss of Function: Kidney function is severely diminished or absent.
- Life-Threatening: Without intervention, ESRD is fatal.
Treatment Options for ESRD
Although ESRD is the final stage, life can be prolonged with treatments like:
- Dialysis: A process that filters the blood when the kidneys cannot.
- Kidney Transplant: Replacing the diseased kidneys with a healthy kidney from a donor.
