Polycystic Kidney Disease

Causes

PKD is caused by a faulty gene. Other people have it due to changes in a certain gene.

Risk Factors

The risk of PKD is higher in people who have a parent with the disease.

Symptoms

Some people have symptoms at birth while others do not have problems until later in life. Symptoms also differ from person to person.

Problems may be:

• Pain in the back or side
• Blood in the urine (pee)
• Belly pain
• Passing urine more often than usual

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done.

Blood and urine tests will be done to check kidney function.

Pictures may be taken of the kidneys. This can be done with:

• Ultrasound
• MRI scan
• CT scan

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms and prevent other health problems. Options are:

• Medicines to:
  • Ease pain
  • Treat cysts that are bleeding
  • Lower high blood pressure and cholesterol
• Dietary changes, such as drinking plenty of fluids and eating a low sodium diet
• Dialysis to remove waste from the blood

Some people may need surgery to:

• Drain or remove cysts to ease pain, bleeding, or a blockage
• Remove one or both kidneys—nephrectomy
• Replace a damaged kidney —kidney transplant

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent PKD.