This document discusses polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a genetic disorder where cysts form on the kidneys. There are two types - autosomal dominant PKD, which usually develops later in life and is more common, and autosomal recessive PKD, which develops in childhood. Symptoms include abdominal pain and tenderness, blood in the urine, and high blood pressure. The condition is diagnosed using scans to detect cysts on the kidneys. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms through medication and potentially surgery if cysts become problematic.
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Polycystic Kidney Disease
Polycystic Kidney Disease is a genetic kidney disorder inherited through family lines,
where the kidneys form many cysts making them bloated; this is due to the formation of many
cysts in the kidney. There are two types of the disorder which are the autosomal dominant and
the autosomal recessive. The autosomal dominant is usually developed at older years such as 30
– 40 but also occurs in children and is the most common; while the autosomal recessive is
developed in childhood years and can even start from the womb and is a rare condition
(Dakshinamurty, 2009).
Causes
The Polycystic Kidney Disease is inherited from family with the autosomal dominant
trait being more prevalent. When one parent has the gene to this disorder then chances are that
the child has 50 percent chance to contract the disorder. This disorder is associated with aortic
and brain aneurysms, liver, testes, and pancreas cysts, and colon diverticula (Simons & Walz,
2006).
Symptoms
The symptoms include pain in the abdomen and abdominal tenderness; blood in the
urine; too much urination at night, and flank pain on the abdominal parts (one or both sides).
Other symptoms include pain in the joints, drowsiness, and abnormalities on nails
(Dakshinamurty, 2009).
Signs and tests
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During examination there may be abdominal tenderness on the upper part of the liver,
which may also be enlarged. There also may be heart murmurs; growth of the kidneys and/or
abdomen; and high blood pressure (Dakshinamurty, 2009).
The tests done on the patient include a complete blood count (CBC), urinalysis, and a
celebral angiography. Through scans on the body the swellings will be identified and hence
abdominal CT scans, MRI scans, ultrasound and intravenous pyelogram (IVP) may be done. For
persons who identify the disease in other family members it is best to take a genetic test to
ascertain their health (Dakshinamurty, 2009).
Treatment
In view of the fact that the disorder is genetic, treatment is aimed at control and
preventing further complications of the symptoms. For this reason, medication is taken to treat
the given ailments found out such as blood pressure drugs (high blood pressure) and antibiotics
(urinary bacterial infections). Also diuretics and low salt diets are encouraged (Dakshinamurty,
2009). When cysts are painful, bleed, or get infected they may be drained since they may be so
many to remove each of them. Surgical operations to remove the affected kidneys (transplant)
could be done or a scheduled dialysis of the patient.
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Reference
Dakshinamurty, K. V. (2009). Polycystic Kidney Disease – ECAB. Philadelphia: Elsevier Health
Sciences, 2009
Simons, M. & Walz, G. (2006). "Polycystic Kidney Disease: cell division with a clue?" Kidney
International. (70): 854–864
