In chronic renal failure, the kidneys do not work properly for a long period of time. This is usually due to high blood pressure or certain conditions such as diabetes and other kidney diseases. Most people with chronic kidney failure are not affected at first. Sometimes there are only vague symptoms. Chronic kidney failure cannot be cured. Damaged kidney tissue does not recover. Eventually, many serious symptoms occur, such as anaemia and cardiovascular disease. Early diagnosis of chronic kidney failure is essential to prevent irreversible kidney damage.
Connecting character
Research in the field of kidney failure focuses on many facets of the disease: both the cause and treatment, as well as the prevention and treatment of kidney failure-related organ problems. Much research is still needed on biomarkers that can already predict the development of kidney damage in the early phase, when there are no symptoms yet. Also, more knowledge is needed about the (molecular) mechanisms leading to kidney damage so that targeted treatment can be developed for each individual patient. Finally, we will need to better understand and learn to prevent the consequences on other essential bodily functions to improve the quality of life of kidney patients.
