Question

The health care provider diagnoses the patient as having chronic renal failure. What most likely led to the patient developing this condition? Explain your answer.

Answer 1

1. Long term diabetes mellitus leads to chronic renal failure , as high levels of sugar in the blood damage tiny blood vessels throughout the body including the filters of the kidneys. As more damage occurs to the kidneys, more fluid and waste remain in the bloodstream instead of being removed.

2.Hypertension also cause damage to tiny blood vessels in the kidneys. As a result, the kidneys may stop removing wastes and extrafluid from blood , glomerular filtration rate will get decreased . Urine cannot be filtered efficiently.

3.Polycystic renal disease causes development of cysts in the kidneys, and these cysts are filled with fluid. When too many cysts develop, or get too big, the kidneys expand and get damaged.

4.Autoimmune disorder like systemic lupus erythematous causes inflammation (swelling or scarring) of the small blood vessels that filter wastes in kidney (glomeruli) and sometimes the kidneys, by attacking them like they attack a disease.

5. Toxic drug poisoning

6. Older age

7.Urinary tract infections which can result in scarring as the infection heals. It can lead to kidney damage if it happens several times.

8. Viral illnesses like HIV/AIDS

9. Sepsis

10. Long term use of NSAIDS

11.Long term obstruction of the urinary tract, from conditions such as enlarged prostate, kidney stones and cancer.