Polycystic Kidney Disease
What is it?
Polycystic kidney disease is an inherited disorder where the kidneys are enlarged and do not work properly because of clusters of cysts on the kidneys. A cyst is a closed pouch of tissue containing fluid. Cysts on the kidney are linked with cysts elsewhere in the body, including the liver, pancreas and testes.
In the early stages, the kidneys simply become enlarged because of the cysts and their may be no symptoms or problems. In some case however the multiple cysts damage the kidneys and then they do not work properly. This can lead to high blood pressure, anaemia and kidney infections. The disease slowly gets worse until the kidneys fail completely (end stage renal failure). It is also associated with liver disease and infection of the liver cysts.
Polycystic kidney disease occurs in children and adults, although symptoms most often do not appear until middle age.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of polycystic kidney disease can be very similar to other kidney diseases.
The symptoms can include:
Additional symptoms
If you experience any of the symptoms above, it is important that you go to your doctor so that he can identify the cause of your problem as soon as possible.
How is it diagnosed?
Often the condition is discovered during routine examinations for other conditions. If you have symptoms, your doctor will conduct a physical examination where your abdomen will be felt for abdominal masses, and your liver will be felt for any tenderness or enlargement. Your blood pressure and urine will also be checked.
Additional tests might be carried out, which will show up any cysts on the kidneys. These tests include:
Abdominal ultrasound
Ultrasound is when sound waves are used to project an image of your abdominal internal organs (the liver, kidneys, gall bladder, spleen etc) onto a computer screen.
Abdominal computerised tomography scan
Computerised tomography, also known as a CT scan, takes x-rays of the body from different angles to make a detailed, cross-sectional image. Sometimes a dye is injected to make the images more detailed.
Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging scan
Magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI, uses magnetic fields and radiowaves instead of x-rays to produce images of the internal organs.
How is it treated?
Currently, there is no treatment that can stop the cysts from forming or getting bigger. The aims of treatment are to reduce symptoms and stop further complications from developing. Controlling or reducing blood pressure is the most important aspect of treatment. This can be done either through diet or through medications. Any signs of a urinary tract infection will be treated with antibiotics, and anaemia can be treated with iron supplements or a blood transfusion. If the cysts are painful, they may be drained using surgery. There are usually too many cysts to try and remove them all. In some cases, removal of the kidney by surgery may be required, and if the kidneys fail completely (end stage renal disease), regular dialysis or kidney transplantation may be needed.
Further information
Your local GP surgery is the best place for you to find information on polycystic kidney disease, especially if you have specific concerns about your symptoms and treatment. Charities related to the kidney can also be useful sources of information and support.
Kidneywise www.kidneywise.com
UK National Kidney Foundation www.kidney.org.uk
