Causes of Chronic Kidney Failure
Chronic kidney failure causes may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Diabetic nephropathy - diabetes can cause permanent changes, leading to kidney damage.
- Hypertension - chronic high blood pressure (hypertension) can lead to permanent kidney damage.
- Lupus (SLE) - a chronic inflammatory/autoimmune disease that can injure the skin, joints, kidneys, and nervous system.
- A prolonged urinary tract obstruction or blockage.
- Alport syndrome - an inherited disorder that causes deafness, progressive kidney damage, and eye defects.
- Nephrotic syndrome - a condition that has several different causes. Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by protein in the urine, low protein in the blood, high cholesterol levels, and tissue swelling.
- Polycystic kidney disease - a genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts filled with fluid in the kidneys.
- Cystinosis - an inherited disorder whereby the kidneys have excessive excretion or certain amino acids. This leads to severe kidney stones.
- Interstitial nephritis or pyelonephritis - an inflammation to the small internal structures in the kidney.