chronic renal failure

chronic renal failure (CRF),

gradual loss of kidney function, with progressively more severe renal insufficiency until the stage called chronic irreversible kidney failure or end-stage renal disease. Symptoms may include polyuria, anorexia or nausea, dehydration, and neurologic symptoms. See also renal failure.

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chronic renal failure

Chronic kidney failure Nephrology A slow decline in renal function, which may be 2º to chronic HTN, DM, CHF, SLE, or sickle cell anemia and, if extreme, leads to ESRD, mandating kidney dialysis; an abrupt decline in renal function may be triggered by acute intercurrent processes–eg, sepsis, shock, trauma, kidney stones, kidney infection, drugs–aspirin or lithium, toxins, abuse substances, or injection of iodinated radiocontrast Lab Fluid retention, uremia Management Low-protein diet to conserve renal function; transplantation if ESRD