Poly-cystic kidney disease (PCKD) is a genetically heterogeneous disease that affects the kidneys and other organs. It can exist in both autosomal dominant and recessive forms. Accumulations of fluid-filled sacs called cysts develop in the kidneys, which interfere their ability to filter waste products from the blood. The growth of these cysts leads to enlargement of the kidneys and can also lead to kidney failure.
Autosomal dominant poly-cystic kidney disease is a genetic disease that affects 1 in 1,000 people worldwide and is associated with an increased risk of intracranial aneurysms.
How serious is poly-cystic kidney disease?
The disease can cause serious complications, including high blood pressure and kidney failure. It varies considerably in severity, with some complications preventable. Lifestyle and treatment changes can help reduce the degree of disability.
What causes poly-cystic kidney disease?
The cause of poly-cystic kidney disease is a gene mutation or defect. In most cases, if a child carries such a mutation, it is inherited from a parent. In very rare cases, it develops primarily without either parent carrying the mutated gene. Symptoms include acute low back pain or hematuria due to hemorrhage in the cyst, abdominal discomfort due to increased kidney size or symptoms of uremia.
- High blood pressure
- Back or side pain
- Blood in your urine
- Feeling of fullness in the abdomen
- Increased belly size due to enlarged kidneys
- Headache
- Kidney stones
- Kidney failure
- Urinary tract or kidney infections
In laboratory tests, urine is low in relative weight, proteinuria and hematuria are observed. Peripheral blood count is normal.
Inheritance of a gene mutation can be determined by DNA analysis.