Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic condition in which multiple fluid-filled sacs or cysts develop throughout the kidneys. These cysts vary in size and number, and may affect the ability of the kidneys to function. PKD cysts may eventually cause kidney damage if they become very large and numerous.
PKD is the fourth leading cause of kidney failure in North America. It is estimated that approximately 5% of patients requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant have PKD.
Depending on the type of PKD, symptoms usually begin either in early adulthood, usually between the ages of 30 and 40 years, or in infancy or early childhood. PKD can be detected by ultrasound. Both men and women of all races seem to be affected equally.
PKD is an inherited disease. This means that it is passed on from parents to children through genes. There are two types of PKD.
90% of people with PKD have autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), or adult PKD. The remaining 10% have autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD), which affects infants and children.
ADPKD, or adult PKD, occurs when one parent has passed the gene on to a child. Because the gene is dominant, there is a 50% chance that a child will get PKD if one parent has the disease. In some cases, however, this form of PKD can occur spontaneously as a result of a new genetic mutation and is not passed on from parents.
ARPKD is the rarer form of PKD. ARPKD happens when each parent is a "silent carrier." This means that the parents carry the gene but are not affected by PKD. There is a 25% chance that a child born to parents that are both carriers will get the disease. If only one parent carries the gene, children will not be affected.
There are some medications that may be used for PKD such as tolvaptan and sirolimus, which can help slow down the growth of kidney cysts. However, these are not routinely used as tolvaptan has been reported to cause severe liver damage, and sirolimus only slows the increase in kidney volume but not the decline in kidney function.
Although PKD does not have a cure, most people with PKD can lead a normal life. The goal of treatment is to ease the symptoms and prevent infections and other problems that can make the condition worse. Treatment is needed to keep complications (such as kidney failure) from occurring or to delay their development.
Pain: In order to relieve pain from the cysts, the larger cysts can sometimes be drained of the fluid, relieving pressure on the area around them. To do this, a small catheter (a very small, flexible tube) is inserted into the cyst to remove the fluid. In severe cases, surgery might be needed to remove the cysts, but this is usually only a temporary solution. Since many pain medications are removed from the body by the kidneys, people with PKD should check with their doctor or pharmacist before starting any medications for pain.
Hypertension: Controlling high blood pressure is important to prevent further kidney damage. Treatment of high blood pressure might involve changes in lifestyle (exercise, diet, stress reduction) and medications.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs): UTIs should be treated as soon as possible, usually with antibiotics, since infection can cause further damage to the kidneys.
Kidney failure: If PKD results in kidney failure (end-stage renal failure) and all other treatments have not stopped the progression of kidney damage, dialysis, or a kidney transplant may be considered.
Dialysis is a process that removes excess fluids and wastes from the bloodstream using a membrane – instead of a kidney – as a filter. Kidney transplants are relatively common now and have a good success rate. Someone who has had a successful transplant can go on to live a normal, healthy life for many years.
Dietary changes: While high blood pressure in PKD may not be caused by salt intake, lowering dietary salt can help in blood pressure control. Try to avoid processed meats, canned soups, and frozen dinners, and fill your plate with fresh vegetables and other healthy ingredients. People should also drink a sufficient amount of fluid (at least 3 litres) per day.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2025. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Polycystic-Kidney-Disease
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