Polycystic Kidney Disease
What is polycystic kidney disease?
Polycystic kidney disease is usually an inherited condition caused by increased cell growth resulting in the formation of cysts in the kidneys. There are two forms of polycystic kidney disease: an autosomal dominant form affecting 1 in every 1,000 live births and autosomal recessive disease affecting 1 in every 20,000 births.
What are the symptoms of PKD?
The development of numerous cysts can result in kidney insufficiency of various degrees which may progress to kidney failure requiring renal replacement therapy. Common features of polycystic kidney disease include hypertension, haematuria (blood in the urine), recurrent kidney infections, kidney stones, flank or abdominal pain. Other organ systems may also be involved including liver (cysts), brain (aneurysms) and heart valves.
Diagnosing polycystic kidney disease
Diagnosis usually involves imaging of the kidneys and in some cases genetic testing. Early detection and treatment can help resolve associated symptoms and slow progression to kidney failure.
