The end stages of renal failure occur when the kidneys cease functioning and are no longer able to remove waste from the body, regulate electrolytes and concentrate urine. This condition occurs after a stretch of chronic kidney failure, which in some cases may have been progressing for 10 to 20 years until reaching the last phase. In end stage renal failure, kidney functioning is reduced to below 10 percent of what is considered normal.
Confusion and Delerium
A person in the last stages of renal failure might exhibit signs of confusion or delirium. He may be drowsy, lethargic and have numbness in the hand or feet. In some cases, a person with end stage renal failure will become unresponsive. In general, a feeling of illness is common.
Decreased Urine Output/ Blood
Other signs of end stage renal failure include decreased urine output and concentrated urine. Urine may appear orange or brown. These symptoms occur when the kidneys are unable to function normally. In addition, traces of blood might be noticed in both the stool and vomit.
Other Symptoms
Other symptoms include swelling in the extremities, loss of appetite, sudden unexplained weight changes, headaches, pain in the sides or mid to lower back, muscle cramping and twitching, extreme itching, fatigue and sleep disturbances.
Pigmentation Changes
The affected individual might have changes in pigmentation, making the skin appear yellowish (jaundice). These changes might be slight or severe.
Treatments
If any of these symptoms are present, seek medical attention immediately. Treatment options include a kidney transplant or kidney dialysis. Dialysis is the process of extracting the waste from the body with special solutions. Without these treatments, waste will build-up in the body. These treatments are not without risks, however. Possible complications include congestive heart failure, excessive bleeding, changes in electrolyte levels, dementia, anemia, hepatitis B or C, infection, peptic ulcers, seizures and platelet dysfunction. Treatments might also be needed to treat complications that result from end stage renal failure. Those complications include blockages in the urinary tract, high blood pressure, glomerulonephritis (a type of kidney disease that can cause inflammation), congestive heart failure (CHF), kidney stones and urinary tract infections. The goal of treatment is to delay the progression of the disease by managing the underlying causes, according to the Mayo Clinic.
