CRF Signs and Symptoms
Chronic renal failure (CRF) usually produces symptoms when renal function — which is measured as the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) — falls below 30 milliliters per minute (< 30 mL/min). This is approximately 30% of the normal value.
When the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) slows to below 30 mL/min, signs of uremia (high blood level of protein by-products, such as urea) may become noticeable. When the GFR falls below 15 mL/min most people become increasingly symptomatic.
Uremic symptoms can affect every organ system, most noticeably the following:
- Neurological system–cognitive impairment, personality change, asterixis (motor disturbance that affects groups of muscles), seizures (rare)
- Gastrointestinal system–nausea, vomiting, food distaste (often described as bland, metallic, "like cardboard")
- Blood-forming system–anemia due to erythropoetin deficiency, easy bruising and bleeding due to abnormal platelets
- Pulmonary system–fluid in the lungs, with breathing difficulties
- Cardiovascular system –chest pain due to inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart (pericarditis) and pericardial effusion (fluid accumulation around the heart)
- Skin –generalized itching
Physician-developed and -monitored.
Original Date of Publication: 01 May 2001
Reviewed by: Stanley J. Swierzewski, III, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 04 Dec 2007
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