Polycystic Kidney Disease

Causes

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

Risk Factors

The risk of this problem is higher in people who have a parent with PKD.

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
• Belly pain
• Frequent urination

Diagnosis

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

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

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

• Ultrasound
• MRI scan
• CT scan

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

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent PKD.