Other Definitions
chronic renal failure (dict)
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Chronic Renal FailureChronic renal failure (CRF) is a slowly progressive loss of renal function over a period of months or years. Signs and symptoms Initially it is without symptoms. As the kidney functions less: CRF patients suffer from accelerated atherosclerosis, mostly due to hypercholesterolemia. Coagulation is often disrupted, leading to a prothrombotic state (a high likelihood of developing thrombosis). Pericarditis occurs at an increased rate in CRF patients. Diagnosis In many CRF patients, previous renal disease or other underlying diseases are already known. A small number presents with CRF of unknown cause. In these patients, a cause is occasionally identified retrospectively. Causes Treatment CRF cannot be treated apart from by renal transplant. In the period usually required to find a transplant, dialysis (renal function replacement therapy) is the only way to clear waste products from the blood that are usually excreted through the urine (urea, potassium). Replacement of erythropoietin and vitamin D3, two hormones processed by the kidney, is usually necessary, as is calcium. External links Chronic renal failure in Yahoo Health
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