What is another name for "kidney failure"?

The term "kidney failure" is often referred to as "end-stage renal disease" (ESRD) when the kidneys have lost most of their function and are unable to perform adequately. This condition signifies that the kidneys are no longer able to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood effectively, often leading to the necessity of dialysis or a kidney transplant for survival.

End-stage renal disease encompasses a significant decline in kidney function, typically characterized by a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of less than 15 mL/min, which represents the final stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD) where the kidneys are unable to sustain life without medical intervention. This terminology is widely used in medical settings to highlight the severity of kidney dysfunction and the critical need for treatment options.

In contrast, acute renal failure refers to a rapid decline in kidney function over a short period, chronic kidney disease indicates a broader progression of kidney impairment, and renal insufficiency denotes a range of kidney function that does not specify the severity associated with end-stage conditions.