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What is
kidney failure?
Home » Patients » Understand CKD » L’IRC – L’insuffisance rénale chronique
It is characterized by a progressive and irreversible decline in kidney function. It is often silent in the early stages and can develop slowly over several years. To date, there is no treatment that can fully restore lost kidney function, except in the case of a kidney transplant, which can replace the function of failing kidneys.19,22
Les 5 stades de l’insuffisance rénale chronique33 :
- Stage 1: Kidney damage with normal kidney function (Glomerular Filtration Rate > 90 mL/min). Few or no symptoms.
- Stage 2: Onset of mild kidney failure (Filtration between 60 and 89 mL/min). Medical monitoring is recommended.
- Stage 3: Moderate kidney failure (Filtration between 30 and 59 mL/min). The first symptoms may appear.
- Stage 4: Severe kidney failure (Filtration between 15 and 29 mL/min). Preparation for a replacement therapy (dialysis or transplant) should be considered.
- Stage 5: End-stage kidney failure (Filtration < 15 mL/min). Dialysis or a kidney transplant becomes essential.
When kidney failure reaches an advanced stage (stage 5), replacement therapies become necessary.
Although CKD cannot be cured, its progression can be slowed down, and kidney function can be preserved for as long as possible through several measures21,23 :
- Regular medical monitoring: blood and urine tests help track disease progression and adjust treatments accordingly.
- Strict management of associated diseases: Diabetes and hypertension are the main causes of CKD, and their treatment is essential to prevent worsening.
- A nephroprotective diet: Limiting salt, protein, and phosphorus helps reduce the workload on the kidneys.
- Proper hydration: Drinking an appropriate amount of water according to medical recommendations.
- Stopping smoking and limiting certain medications: Some anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics can worsen CKD.
L’IRA – L’insuffisance rénale aiguë
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a sudden and rapid decline in kidney function. Unlike chronic kidney disease, which progresses slowly, AKI occurs abruptly and requires immediate medical attention.25
Quelles sont les causes principales de l’IRA ?
AKI can be triggered by several factors25 :
- A sudden decrease in blood flow to the kidneys, caused by severe dehydration, major hemorrhage, or septic shock.
- Direct kidney damage, caused by certain infections, toxins, or nephrotoxic medications (such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or certain antibiotics).
- Une obstruction des voies urinaires, provoquée par des calculs rénaux, une hypertrophie de la prostate ou des tumeurs.
Quels sont les symptômes de l’IRA ?
AKI can manifest through25 :
- A sudden decrease in urine output (oliguria) or a complete absence of urine (anuria).
- Severe fatigue, nausea, vomiting.
- Swelling of the legs or face (edema).
- Consciousness disorders in severe cases.
Dans de nombreux cas, l’IRA est réversible si elle est prise en charge rapidement. Une hospitalisation peut être nécessaire pour identifier la cause et mettre en place un traitement adapté (réhydratation, correction des déséquilibres électrolytiques, ajustement des médicaments).
Cependant, dans certains cas, les reins ne récupèrent pas complètement, et l’IRA peut évoluer vers une insuffisance rénale chronique de stade 5, nécessitant alors une dialyse ou une greffe rénale.25
Early detection and regular monitoring help slow disease progression and better anticipate appropriate treatments.