Chronic renal failure Health Article

Support Groups

See: Kidney disease - support group

Expectations (prognosis)

There is no cure for chronic renal failure. Untreated, it usually progresses to end-stage renal disease. Lifelong treatment may control the symptoms of chronic renal failure.

Complications

• Anemia
• Cardiac tamponade
• Changes in blood sugar metabolism
• Congestive heart failure
• Decreased functioning of white blood cells
• Decreased immune response
• Decreased libido, impotence
• Dementia
• Electrolyte abnormalities including hyperkalemia
• Encephalopathy
• End-stage renal disease
• Fractures
• Hemorrhage
• High blood pressure
• Increased infections
• Joint disorders
• Liver inflammation (hepatitis B or hepatitis C)
• Liver failure
• Loss of blood from the gastrointestinal tract
• Menstrual irregularities,mscarriage, infertility
• Nerve damage
• Pericarditis
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Platelet dysfunction
• Ulcers
• Seizures
• Skin dryness, itching /scratching with resultant skin infection
• Weakening of the bones

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if nausea or vomiting persists for more than 2 weeks.

Call your health care provider if decreased urine output or other symptoms of chronic renal failure occur.

Prevention

Treatment of the underlying disorders may help prevent or delay development of chronic renal failure. Diabetics should control blood sugar and blood pressure closely and should refrain from smoking.