When is a kidney transplant indicated?

A kidney transplant is indicated primarily in cases of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), which is the stage of kidney dysfunction where the kidneys are unable to maintain metabolic and fluid balance, requiring renal replacement therapy such as dialysis or transplantation for survival. At this stage, the kidneys have lost approximately 85-90% of their normal function, leading to significant health risks and complications.

Patients with end-stage renal disease often experience a variety of symptoms due to the accumulation of waste products in the body, imbalances in electrolytes, and problems with fluid regulation. A kidney transplant provides a more permanent solution as opposed to continuous dialysis treatment, significantly improving quality of life and survival rates.

Other scenarios listed, such as chronic dehydration, acute kidney infection, and temporary kidney failure, do not warrant a transplant. Chronic dehydration may be managed with fluid replacement and addressing underlying causes, acute kidney infections can often be treated with antibiotics and do not reflect irreversible kidney damage, and temporary kidney failure typically resolves with appropriate treatment, so a transplant would not be appropriate in those situations.