A Simple Guide to Polycystic kidney disease

A Simple Guide to Polycystic kidney disease
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What are Polycystic kidney disease ?
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Polycystic kidney disease is a progressive genetic condition of the kidneys in which multiple cysts (polycystic)are present in both kidneys.

The disease can produce cysts in the liver, pancreas, and rarely, the heart and brain.


Who is at risk of Polycystic kidney disease formation?
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Any one with a family history of polycystic kidneys.


What causes Polycystic kidney disease ?
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There are 2 main causes of polycystic kidney disease.

Both are determined by their genetic inheritance:

1.Autosomal dominant
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It is generally a late-onset disease with progressive cyst development.

The kidneys are bilaterally enlarged and have multiple cysts.

There may be kidney dysfunction resulting in hypertension and kidney failure by the age of 60 years.

Beside this there are also cysts in other organs such as the liver, spleen, pancreas, and arachnoid mater.

Other abnormalities includes intracranial aneurysms, dissection of the aorta, mitral valve prolapse.


2.Autosomal recessive
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This disease is less common than the above.

Most cases died during the pregnancy or in the first month of birth.

Early manifestations of the disease is apparent at birth or in early infancy.


What are the symptoms of Polycystic kidney disease ?
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Many Polycystic kidney patients do not have any symptoms.
In some cases there may be:

1.hypertension,

2.Abdominal colic due to urinary stones

3.back or flank pain

4.urinary tract infections with hematuria and proteinuria

5.Palpable large kidneys

6.Abdominal swelling

7.fatigue

The condition eventually ends in chronic renal failure with loss of kidney function.


How are Polycystic kidney disease diagnosed?
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1.X-rays of the kidneys on routine checkup

2.Ultrasound of the kidneys

3.MRI of the kidneys

4.genetic testing

Genetic counseling may help families at risk for polycystic kidney disease.


How are Polycystic kidney disease treated?
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There is no cure for Polycystic kidney disease.

Although a cure for Polycystic kidney disease is not possible, treatment can ease the symptoms and prolong life.

1.Back Pain:
Mild pain killers such as paracetamol can relieve pain.

2.Urinary tract infections:
urinary tract infections can be treated with antibiotics.

Any urinary infection can spread from the urinary tract to the kidney cysts so early treatment is important.

Once the infection enter the cyst, treatment is difficult because many antibiotics cannot enter the walls of the cysts.

3.High blood pressure:
All hypertension cases due to Polycystic kidney disease must be kept under control with medications and lifestyle changes such as exercise, distressing, low salt and fats

4.Renal disease:
Eventually in all cases the kidney function will fail and chronic real failure develop.
Treatment will then be by dialysis or kidney transplant.

5.Surgery:
Surgery is rarely needed except to remove large cysts. Even then the kidney disease is progressive and will still end in chronic renal failure.


What is the prognosis of Polycystic kidney disease?
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Generally poor after the age of 60 when renal disease may set in.


How to prevent Polycystic kidney disease ?
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There is no prevention for Polycystic kidney disease.