The authors submit a review on the etiopathogenesis, clinical picture and treatment of chronic renal insufficiency. They emphasize the fact that based on pathogenetic ideas it proved possible to influence the majority of pathological processes: retention and deficiency of substances as well as impaired regulation. After introduction of treatment, using erythropoietin, calcitriol as well as due to advances in the technique and quality of dialysis treatment, the patients' quality of life improved substantially. The authors draw attention also to the danger of accumulation of some drugs in renal insufficiency and its development.