Intermediate Technical IVT

ESKD

Also written as: ESKD — end-stage kidney disease

The final stage of chronic kidney disease requiring renal replacement therapy. Replaces the older term 'end-stage renal disease' in current pediatric nephrology practice.

Full Definition

End-stage kidney disease represents kidney function so severely impaired that survival requires dialysis or kidney transplantation. In pediatric patients, ESKD is defined as eGFR persistently below 15 mL/min/1.73m² or the need for chronic dialysis or transplantation. The terminology shift from 'renal' to 'kidney' reflects patient-centered language preferences and international standardization efforts in nephrology nomenclature.

Usage

Usage note: Preferred over ESRD in current practice; ensure consistency within documents.

In Context

"The adolescent progressed to ESKD and was evaluated for kidney transplantation." — Transplant evaluation summary
"Family counseling focused on ESKD treatment options including dialysis modalities." — Social work assessment

Also known as

end-stage kidney failure kidney failure requiring RRT

Contrasted with

preserved kidney function normal renal function

Don't confuse with

ESRD advanced CKD

electrolyte imbalance ← Back to glossary ESRD