In many cases, kidney failure is typically caused by other health related problems that have done permanent harm to a patients’ kidneys over a certain period of time. It can be caused over the course of many years or just a few. When a patients’ kidneys are in a damaged state, they are not going to perform as well as the should. If the damage done to the kidneys continues to develop and get worse, the less likely it will be for kidney to be able to do their primary function, and will therefore leave the patient with chronic kidney disease. Kidney failure is the last and most severe stage of chronic kidney disease, and is referred to as end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Diabetes is the absolute most common cause of ESRD in patients. Having high blood pressure is also among the most common causes. Other common problems that may cause kidney failure include some of the following: - Autoimmune diseases: Can include lupus and Berger’s disease (IgA nephropathy) - Genetic diseases: Can include polycystic kidney disease - Nephrotic syndrome: Which is too much protein in the urine - Urinary tract problems: Can include frequent urination, frequent UTIs, blood present in urine, kidney stones or common pain in the bladder