Conditions Treated
Polysystic Kidney
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts in the kidneys.
When PKD causes kidneys to fail-which usually happens after many years-the patient requires dialysis or kidney transplantation. About one-half of people with the most common type of PKD progress to kidney failure, also called end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
PKD can also cause cysts in the liver and problems in other organs, such as blood vessels in the brain and heart. The number of cysts as well as the complications they cause help doctors distinguish PKD from the usually harmless “simple” cysts that often form in the kidneys in later years of life.
Two major inherited forms of PKD exist:
Autosomal dominant PKD is the most common inherited form.
Symptoms usually develop between the ages of 30 and 40, but they can begin earlier, even in childhood. About 90 percent of all PKD cases are autosomal dominant PKD.
Autosomal recessive PKD is a rare inherited form. Symptoms of autosomal recessive PKD begin in the earliest months of life, even in the womb.
If you or someone you know has been told by another Doctor that they have PKD. Give us a call today and set up an appointment. Advanced Nephrology and Hypertension works together to build a plan to ensure our patients get the care they need.
