Kidney failure is very serious and potentially fatal. The signs and symptoms may include high BP, edema of legs, shortness of breath (from water retention in lungs), reduced urine output. Weakness, easy fatiguability, nausea poor appetite and confusion can be symptoms of advanced kidney failure. It is important to remember that some patients may not have any symptoms and kidney disease is only detected by a lab abnormality.

The major lab findings include an increase in blood creatinine level and BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen). Other findings may include low blood bicarbonate levels, high potassium or phosphorus and an elevated PTH (parathyroid) hormone level.