Polycystic Kidney Disease
Overview
Definition
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is when many fluid-filled cysts form in the kidneys. The kidneys get bigger as the cysts grow inside them. This can cause kidney damage and other problems.
Autosomal dominant PKD happens in adults and is the most common type. Autosomal recessive PKD is a type found in newborns.
Anatomy of the Kidney |
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SymptomsandDiagnosis
Treatments
Treatment
There is no cure. The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms and prevent health problems. Options are:
-
Medicines to:
- Lower high blood pressure and cholesterol
- Ease pain
- Treat cysts that are bleeding
- Dietary changes, such as drinking plenty of fluids and 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
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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All rights reserved.
a (PKD; Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease; ADPKD; Adult Polycystic Disease; Polycystic Kidney Disease Type 2)
RESOURCES
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases https//www.niddk.nih.gov
PKD Foundation https://pkdcure.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Health Canada https://www.canada.ca
The Kidney Foundation of Canada https://www.kidney.ca
References
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/autosomal-dominant-polycystic-kidney-disease-adpkd. Accessed December 29, 2020.
Chebib F, Perrone R , et al. A practical guide for treatment of rapidly progressive ADPKD with tolvaptan. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2018 Oct;29(10):2458-2470.
Kidney (renal) and cystic disease. Urology Care Foundation website. Available at: https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/k/kidney-(renal)-dysplasia-and-cystic-disease. Accessed December 29, 2020.
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/polycystic-kidney-disease.html. Accessed December 29, 2020.
What is PKD? PKD Foundation website. Available at: https://pkdcure.org/what-is-pkd. Accessed December 29, 2020.