Causes
Generally, ESRD is caused by other health conditions. In addition, demographic factors also play a role in who is more predisposed to the disease. The most common cause of ESRD is diabetes. High blood pressure is the second most common condition that leads to ESRD. Other conditions that may lead to ESRD include:
- Lupus and other autoimmune diseases
- Urinary tract issues, particularly prolonged obstruction
- Nephrotic syndrome – too much protein in the urine
- Polycystic kidney disease or other genetic diseases
- Chronic kidney infections
In addition, certain demographic groups are more likely to acquire ESRD for various reasons. The National Institutes of Health's (NIH) research has found that compared to Caucasians ESRD is 3.7 times more greater in African Americans, with Native Americans and Asian Americans following at rates 1.4 and 1.5 times greater.
