The Main Causes of Kidney Failure: Identify These 2 Common Conditions

Kidney failure, also known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD), is a serious condition where the kidneys are only functioning at 15% of their normal levels. The kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste products and excess fluids from the body. Kidney failure can occur suddenly due to an injury or develop over time due to chronic kidney disease. It is estimated that approximately 808,000 people in the United States are living with kidney failure.

The two most common causes of kidney failure are diabetes and high blood pressure (hypertension). However, there are other diseases and lifestyle factors that can also increase the risk of kidney failure.

Diabetes is the primary cause of kidney failure, accounting for 47% of cases in the U.S. Diabetes, a chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels, can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood properly.

One of the initial signs of kidney disease due to diabetes is the presence of the protein albumin in the urine. Normally, albumin should not pass from the blood into the urine, but when the kidneys are not functioning correctly, albumin can leak into the urine, indicating kidney damage.

Hypertension is the second leading cause of kidney failure, responsible for approximately 27% of cases in the U.S. High blood pressure can lead to the narrowing and weakening of blood vessels in the kidneys, preventing them from effectively filtering waste and excess fluid from the blood.

The damaged blood vessels can result in a buildup of excess fluid, further increasing blood pressure and perpetuating a harmful cycle.

Polycystic kidney disease is a genetic disorder characterized by the growth of multiple fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys. This condition affects approximately 500,000 individuals in the U.S. The presence of these cysts can alter the size and shape of the kidneys, leading to decreased kidney function and eventual kidney failure.

Glomerulonephritis is a disease that affects the glomeruli, small blood vessels that act as the filtration units in the kidneys. When these vessels are damaged, the kidneys are unable to filtrate waste and fluids efficiently, ultimately leading to kidney problems and failure.

Glomerulonephritis accounts for approximately 10-15% of kidney failure cases in the U.S.

Kidney infections can occur when bacteria or viruses enter the kidneys, often through the urinary tract. Blockages in the urinary tract, such as kidney stones or an enlarged prostate, can also lead to kidney infections. If left untreated, these infections can cause permanent damage to the kidneys and progress to kidney failure.

Individuals with a family history of kidney failure may be at a higher risk of developing the condition. Genetic variations, particularly in genes such as MYH9 and APOL1, can increase the risk of kidney failure, especially in communities of color and those with limited resources.

Research has identified several other genes, including GPX1, GSTO1, GSTO2, UMOD, MGP, MTHFS, and TCF7L2, that may be associated with kidney disease and failure. However, not everyone with these genetic variations will develop kidney failure, and individuals without these variations can still be at risk for kidney disease.

Kidney failure can affect anyone, with kidney disease emerging as one of the fastest-growing noncommunicable diseases in the U.S. Certain populations, such as individuals over 65 years of age and those from specific demographic groups, may be more susceptible to kidney failure.

Common risk factors for kidney failure include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, a diet high in protein and salts, inadequate sleep, regular use of NSAIDs, and a sedentary lifestyle.

In summary, kidney failure is a severe condition where the kidneys are functioning at less than 15% of their normal capacity, leading to a buildup of waste and fluids in the body. Diabetes and hypertension are the primary causes of kidney failure, with other conditions such as polycystic kidney disease, glomerulonephritis, and kidney infections also playing a role. Genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors can further increase the risk of kidney failure.

Diabetes and high blood pressure collectively contribute to two-thirds of kidney failure cases in the U.S.