What is the primary indication for a kidney transplant?

The primary indication for a kidney transplant is end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This condition is characterized by the kidneys' inability to function adequately to meet the body's needs, leading to a buildup of waste products and fluids, which can be life-threatening. When the kidneys reach this stage, other treatment options such as dialysis may be necessary, but they do not adequately replace the kidney's function over the long term.

A kidney transplant offers the best chance for a long-term solution, allowing patients to achieve greater independence and quality of life compared to relying on dialysis. The procedure replaces the diseased kidney with a healthy kidney from a donor, which can restore normal kidney function and eliminate the need for dialysis in most cases.

Conditions like acute kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, or congenital kidney defects may necessitate specialized treatment, but they do not typically indicate the need for a transplant unless they progress to the point of causing end-stage renal disease. Understanding the distinction between these conditions is crucial for making informed treatment decisions in the context of renal health.