What is Kidney Failure?

Kidney failure refers to temporary or permanent damage to the kidneys that results in loss of normal kidney function. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is when the kidneys permanently fail to work.

Conditions that may lead to kidney failure depend on the type of kidney failure: acute or chronic.

• Acute kidney failure has starts abruptly and is potentially reversible. Learn more about acute kidney failure.
• Chronic kidney failure progresses slowly over at least three months. It can lead to permanent kidney failure. Read more about chronic kidney failure.

Symptoms of Kidney Failure

The symptoms of kidney failure may differ depending on the type of kidney failure. Learn more about kidney failure symptoms.

Diagnosing Kidney Failure

Blood tests, ultrasound and biopsy help us confirm a diagnosis of kidney failure. Find out more about kidney failure diagnosis at Stanford.

Kidney Failure Treatment

Treatment options range from medication to kidney transplantation. Learn more about our approach to kidney failure treatment.