Polycystic Kidney Disease
What is PKD?
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder where numerous fluid-filled cysts grow in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter blood. PKD is the fourth leading cause of chronic kidney disease and can also cause cysts in other organs such as the liver.
Incidence PKD affects about 1 in 1,000 people worldwide and is equally common in males and females. Approximately 5% of chronic kidney disease patients requiring dialysis or transplantation have PKD.
Effects on Kidneys In autosomal dominant PKD, cysts of varying sizes develop in both kidneys, causing kidney enlargement and potentially leading to chronic kidney failure. This damage often results in hypertension, protein loss in urine, and reduced kidney function.
Symptoms
- High blood pressure
- Back or flank pain
- Abdominal swelling or lump
- Blood or protein in the urine
- Recurrent urinary tract infections and kidney stones
- Symptoms from cysts in other organs (e.g., brain aneurysm, liver cysts)
Progression Not all patients will develop kidney failure. About 50% will experience kidney failure by age 60, and 60% by age 70. Risk factors include larger cyst size, early diagnosis, hypertension, proteinuria, and certain genetic mutations.
Diagnosis
- Ultrasound: Common and effective for detecting cysts.
- CT/MRI Scans: More precise but costly.
- Family Screening: Useful for early detection of relatives.
- Gene Linkage Analysis: Rarely used, very specialized.
Prevention
- No cure to prevent cyst formation, but early diagnosis helps manage the disease and prevent complications. Regular screening of family members is recommended.
Treatment
- Monitoring: Regular check-ups for asymptomatic patients.
- Blood Pressure Control: Essential to slow disease progression.
- Pain Management: Use non-harmful pain relievers like acetaminophen.
- Infection Management: Prompt treatment of urinary infections.
- Fluid Intake: Helps prevent infections and kidney stones.
- Surgical Intervention: Rarely needed for severe cases.
PKD is manageable with proper care and monitoring to delay progression and address symptoms effectively.
