Information on Polycystic Kidney Disease

Polycystic kidney disease is caused by cysts that form and multiply on the kidney's surface, leading to enlargement that interferes with normal kidney function. Most commonly found in adults, the disease also afflicts children and even more rarely, infants. Cysts are fluid filled sacs that are commonly found on the surface of kidneys, but not in the number that is prevalent in polycystic kidney disease.

Etiology

• In most cases, cysts may appear on any part of the kidney's surface and may be hereditary in nature or acquired later in life. Most individuals over the age of 50 have at least one cyst that is found on the kidney. Such cysts may be benign or grow so large and prevalent that other abdominal organs are crowded or compressed, impairing function of both kidney or surrounding organs.

Types of Polycystic Kidney Disease

• Two inherited forms of polycystic kidney disease are classified as autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive. The dominant form of the disease, also known as ADPKD, is the most common and refers to the disease as being caused by a malfunction of a gene found in chromosome 16. According to "Medical-Surgical Nursing Health and Illness Perspectives," polycystic kidney disease affects about 500,000 people in the United States alone. Autosomal dominant forms of the disease are usually diagnosed in adulthood, while the less common form of the disease, autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease is often diagnosed in childhood or adolescence.

Signs and Symptoms

• Many people diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease experience no early signs or symptoms. However, they may eventually develop high blood pressure or pain in the side or back. Others experience the need to urinate frequently at night, and suffer from kidney stones and blood in the urine. Abdominal pain, bloating and kidney infections are also fairly common with the progression of the condition.

Causes

• Abnormal gene growth is considered to be the major factor in the development of polycystic kidney disease, and in many cases, the condition is hereditary. However, many individuals develop one or two fluid filled sacs on the surface of kidneys, which are most often benign, though some may be very small while others may hold large amounts of fluid.

Diagnostics

• Polycystic kidney disease may be diagnosed through a variety of methods, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scans and ultrasound exams. Blood tests might also be used to determine gene sequencing and formation abnormalities, though such tests are often extremely expensive, ranging in the thousands of dollars.

Treatment

• To date, there is no specific treatment or cure for polycystic kidney disease, but treatment is most often offered for symptoms, such as high blood pressure or pain. High blood pressure is treated with blood pressure medications to normal levels, which helps prevent additional damage to the kidneys. Kidney and bladder infections are treated with antibiotics, again to help prevent excess strain or damage to the kidney. Draining the cysts is indicated when other vessels or organ function may be obstructed, which relieves pressure to surrounding tissues and organs. In some cases where cysts are large, surgery is an option. Research continues today to develop new drugs that will help reduce and relieve symptoms and provide positive prognosis and quality of life for those diagnosed with the condition.