Kidney dysfunction can result from acute or chronic conditions that impair filtration, tubular function, or renal blood flow. These diseases can lead to accumulation of waste products, electrolyte imbalances, and systemic complications.
| Disease / Disorder | Role of Kidney Dysfunction in Pathogenesis | Notes / Evidence |
| Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) | Progressive loss of kidney function over months to years, reducing GFR and impairing waste excretion. | Often due to diabetes, hypertension, or glomerulonephritis; staged based on eGFR. |
| Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) | Sudden decline in renal function leading to accumulation of nitrogenous waste and dysregulation of fluid/electrolytes. | Caused by ischemia, toxins, or obstruction; potentially reversible. |
| Diabetic Nephropathy | Chronic hyperglycemia damages glomerular basement membrane, increasing permeability to proteins. | Leading cause of CKD; early detection via microalbuminuria testing. |
| Hypertensive Nephrosclerosis | Long-standing hypertension damages renal vasculature, leading to ischemia and scarring. | Controlled blood pressure slows progression. |
| Glomerulonephritis | Inflammation of glomeruli due to autoimmune or infectious causes, impairing filtration. | Can be acute or chronic; may lead to CKD. |
| Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) | Genetic disorder causing fluid-filled cysts in kidneys, replacing functional tissue. | Autosomal dominant form is most common; progressive enlargement impairs function. |
| Lupus Nephritis | Immune complex deposition in glomeruli due to systemic lupus erythematosus. | Requires immunosuppressive therapy; prognosis depends on histologic class. |
| Nephrotic Syndrome | Characterized by heavy proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, edema, and hyperlipidemia. | Caused by various glomerular diseases. |
| Renal Artery Stenosis | Narrowing of renal arteries reduces blood flow, activating RAAS and causing hypertension. | Often due to atherosclerosis or fibromuscular dysplasia. |
| End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) | Final stage of CKD where kidney function is inadequate to sustain life without dialysis or transplant. | eGFR <15 mL/min/1.73m²; associated with high morbidity and mortality. |