Polycystic kidney diseases

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts in the kidneys. The kidneys are two organs, each about the size of a fist, located in the upper part of a person's abdomen, toward the back. The kidneys filter wastes and extra fluid from the blood to form urine.

Types of Polycystic Kidney Disease

There are two types of PKD: Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) and Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease (ARPKD).

Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease

ADPKD is the more common type of PKD. About 90 percent of all PKD cases are ADPKD. It is also called adult PKD, because the symptoms usually develop between the ages of 30 and 40.

Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease

ARPKD is a rare form of PKD, and it often causes significant mortality in the first month of life. It is also called infantile PKD.

Symptoms

The symptoms of PKD can include pain in the back and sides, headaches, urinary tract infections, hematuria (blood in the urine), kidney stones, and high blood pressure.

Diagnosis

PKD is diagnosed through genetic testing, imaging tests, and family history. Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI can detect cysts in the kidney.

Treatment

There is no cure for PKD. However, treatment can manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Treatment options include pain management, blood pressure control, treatment of urinary tract infections, and in severe cases, dialysis or kidney transplant.

See Also

• Kidney disease
• Chronic kidney disease
• Kidney failure
• Dialysis
• Kidney transplant