What does the acronym "ESRD" represent?

The acronym "ESRD" stands for End-stage renal disease. This term is used to describe the advanced stage of chronic kidney disease where the kidneys are no longer able to function adequately to meet the needs of daily life due to a significant loss of kidney function. Patients with ESRD typically require renal replacement therapy, such as dialysis or a kidney transplant, to survive. The classification of "end-stage" emphasizes that this stage represents the final phase of renal function decline, often requiring immediate and ongoing medical intervention. Understanding this term is crucial in the context of nephrology and patient care, especially in managing those who are facing severe kidney disease.