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Symptoms of End-stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

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The Kidney and Its Main Blood Vessels
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As kidney failure progresses, some or all of the following signs and symptoms may develop:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Itchy skin
  • Confusion
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Swelling throughout the body
  • Low urine output
  • Generalized weakness
  • Multiple bruises
  • Frequent infections
  • Numbness and tingling in the extremities
  • Irritability
  • Decreased libido
  • Menstrual irregularities
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Muscle cramps and twitches
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pericarditis
  • High blood pressure
  • Weak, brittle bones
  • Yellowish-brownish skin tone
  • Easy bruising of the skin
  • Headache
  • Frequent hiccups

If kidney failure is untreated, the accumulated waste products and fluid can result in:

  • Coma
  • Seizures
  • Death

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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References

  • Brenner, BM., et al. Brenner & Rector’s The Kidney. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders, 2011.

  • Conn's Current Therapy 2001. 53rd ed. WB Saunders Company; 2001.

  • Ferri, Fred, ed. Ferri’s Clinical Advisor 2010. 1st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Mosby Elsevier, 2009.

  • Goldman L, Ausiello D., eds. Cecil Textbook of Internal Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders, 2008.

  • National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases website. Available at: http://www2.niddk.nih.gov.

  • National Kidney Foundation website. Available at: http://www.kidney.org.

  • Rakel, R. Textbook of Family Medicine 2007. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier, 2009.

  • Rakel, RE, Bope, ET. Conn's Current Therapy. 60th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier, 2009.

  • Yu, HT. Progression of Chronic Renal Failure Arch Int Med. 2003;163:1417-1429.

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