End-stage kidney disease is the last stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD). This is when the kidneys can no longer support the body’s needs and do their job of removing wastes or excess fluid from the blood.
End-stage renal disease is defined based on the level of GFR and the occurrence of signs and symptoms of kidney failure necessitating initiation of treatment by renal replacement therapy. ESRD includes patients treated by dialysis or transplantation, irrespective of the level of GFR.
When you have ESRD, it basically means your kidneys need something else to take over their job. You can’t live with your kidneys.
“End-stage renal disease, also called end-stage kidney disease, occurs when chronic kidney disease — the gradual loss of kidney function — reaches an advanced state. In end-stage renal disease, your kidneys are no longer able to work as they should to meet your body’s needs.”