Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) leads to the formation of excess fluid-filled sacs (cysts) in the kidneys. In PKD, the cysts can damage the kidneys and cause them to enlarge. This condition differs from a simple kidney cyst, which some people may have in their kidneys. PKD is a kind of chronic kidney disease (CKD) that causes the kidneys to work less efficiently and may lead to kidney failure.
PKD can also develop complications such as high blood pressure, liver cysts, and enlargement of arteries in the brain and heart [3].
What does the term “polycystic kidney disease” mean?
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a condition in which a large number of cysts form in the kidney. These cysts are filled with fluid within them. If the kidney has too many cysts and if they become large, the kidneys can be damaged. PKD cysts can gradually take over most of the kidneys, reducing their ability to function and potentially lead to kidney failure [3].
What distinguishes the two types of PKD?
There are two types of PKD:
- Autosomal dominant PKD is typically undetected until late in life. In most cases, it gets detected when the individual may have an ultrasound for other reasons.
As a result, physicians frequently refer to autosomal dominant PKD as “adult PKD.
2/Autosomal recessive PKD is a rare illness affecting children. Autosomal recessive PKD is commonly referred to as “infantile PKD” by medical professionals since symptoms often appear in the first few months of life, even in the womb [2].
Causes and Risk Factors
Cysts frequently develop in the kidneys and liver (and occasionally in the pancreas) throughout late childhood or early adulthood. They are caused by changes in the genes called PKD1 and PKD2 genes. A parent with ADPKD has a 50% chance of passing it on to their child, but it can also occur for the first time in someone who does not have a family history of the disease. The new mutation can then be passed on to the following generation. The most important risk factor for getting polycystic kidney disease is inheriting the defective gene that causes the disease from one or both parents [6].
Signs of PKD:
Some of the signs /symptoms of polycystic kidney disease include:
- Elevated blood pressure.
- Pain in the abdomen, side, or back.
- Blood in the urine.
- A sense of fullness in the stomach.
- Kidney stones.
- History of frequent urine infections
Identifying the problem.
Three major tests help doctors determine if someone has PKD. These are:
- An ultrasound or CT scan
- Urine tests
- Blood tests to check kidney function
The doctor will also check Blood pressure and examine the abdomen to see if the kidneys are enlarged. They will also inquire about the individual’s symptoms and whether anyone in their family has PKD.
Doctors can also utilize DNA tests to find out if the individual has the defective gene causing PKD. To accomplish this, they may request a sample of the person’s saliva or blood [8].
Complications
- High Blood Pressure.
- Abdominal discomfort or pain
- Blood in the urine, causing anaemia
- Frequent urine infections requiring treatment
- Kidney failure, happens to more than half of people with ADPKD by the time they are 60 years old.
- Kidney stones
- Cysts in the liver leading to liver failure
- Brain aneurysms or swellings in blood vessels in the brain leading to bleeding in the brain
- Heart valve issues.
Lifestyle and Self-Care Tips for Living With PKD
In the early stages of PKD, drink 8-10 glasses of water daily.
It’s important to have regular check-ups with a kidney doctor to monitor the kidney function, cyst size, and Blood pressure.
Good blood pressure control is important to delay the progression of kidney disease
A vegetarian diet can support kidney health by reducing inflammation and lessening the strain of animal protein breakdown on the kidneys.
Need to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol
If your PKD has progressed to Stage 5, or End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), you may need to start dialysis at home or at a dialysis centre and/or learn about the prerequisites for a kidney transplant.
A nephrologist (a doctor who specializes in kidney care) will collaborate with you to develop a personalized diet based on your unique needs and kidney function. Monitor nutrients such as phosphorus, potassium, and calcium in your diet. The recommendations you receive for food and lifestyle adjustments may differ from those given in the early stages of kidney disease.
Ask your kidney doctor lots of questions; they know the most about your kidneys.
Conclusion
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a hereditary condition that affects multiple organs. While there is no treatment, understanding the causes, symptoms, risk factors, and complications can help you manage the disease more effectively. Early detection and regular medical check-ups are crucial for slowing disease progression and preventing severe health issues.
Living with PKD can be difficult, but with the appropriate lifestyle practices, medical advice, and support from family, people with PKD can still have satisfying lives.
Reference:
- Mayo Clinic. Polycystic kidney disease – Symptoms and causes. Available at: https://share.google/UWFpeeTtfffp5MzQ1
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). Available at: https://share.google/3FrcQh5d8ST51Delj
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). What Is Polycystic Kidney Disease? Available at: https://share.google/b5woNWe8XBfCKLios
- National Kidney Foundation. Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) – Symptoms, causes, treatment. Available at: https://share.google/pVZkk8nv63LtpY304
Leave a Reply