End-stage renal disease is the most severe and irreversible stage of chronic kidney disease, defined by a profound loss of renal function requiring kidney replacement therapy for patient survival. As a critical research domain, it encompasses the systematic investigation of the underlying biological mechanisms, epidemiological trends, clinical complications, therapeutic interventions (dialysis, transplantation, palliative care), health economics, and patient-reported outcomes associated with this advanced state of kidney failure, highlighting its significant global health burden and the ongoing need for scientific advancement.