what is esrd medical term
End-stage kidney disease. End-stage kidney disease is the last stage of chronic kidney disease. This is when your kidneys can no longer support your body's needs. End-stage kidney disease is also called end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The kidneys remove waste and excess water from the body. ESRD occurs when the kidneys are no longer able to work at a level needed for day-to-day life.