About Polycystic
Kidney Disease (PKD)
What You Need to Know
About Polycystic
Kidney Disease (PKD)
What You Need to Know
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a genetic condition where clusters of fluid-filled cysts grow in the kidneys. Over time, these cysts cause the kidneys to enlarge and lose function. PKD can also affect other organs, including the liver. It is one of the most common inherited kidney diseases, affecting about 600,000 people in the U.S. and more than 12 million worldwide..
Symptoms of PKD
High blood pressure (very common in PKD)
Back or side pain
Kidney infections
Blood in the urine
Kidney stones
Enlarged abdomen due to cyst growth
Declining kidney function
PKD and Kidney Failure
One of the most serious outcomes of PKD is end-stage renal disease (ESRD), when the kidneys no longer function well enough to keep someone alive without treatment.
About half of people with PKD will develop kidney failure by age 60.
At this stage, treatment options include dialysis (using a machine to filter blood) or a kidney transplant.
Why Kidney Transplants Are Needed in PKD
Diagnosis
Cyst growth destroys kidney tissue: Unlike some kidney diseases, PKD progressively crowds out healthy kidney tissue, making transplant the most effective long-term solution.
Progression
Living donors save time: Because the wait for a deceased donor kidney can be years long, finding a living donor dramatically increases the chance for survival and a healthier future.
Dialysis
Dialysis is a bridge, not a cure: Dialysis can keep people alive but cannot replace all the kidney’s functions. Transplants provide the best quality of life and longer survival.
Transplan
Why Kidney Transplants Are Needed in PKD
Diagnosis
Cyst growth destroys kidney tissue: Unlike some kidney diseases, PKD progressively crowds out healthy kidney tissue, making transplant the most effective long-term solution.
Progression
Living donors save time: Because the wait for a deceased donor kidney can be years long, finding a living donor dramatically increases the chance for survival and a healthier future.
Dialysis
Dialysis is a bridge, not a cure: Dialysis can keep people alive but cannot replace all the kidney’s functions. Transplants provide the best quality of life and longer survival.
Transplant