Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a genetic cystic kidney disorder. There
are two types of PKD: Autosomal Dominant PKD (ADPKD) accounting for about 90% of
PKD and the less-common Autosomal Recessive PKD. Autosomal Dominant PKD (ADPKD)
characterized with enormous fluid-filled cysts on both of kidneys. In most
cases, the symptoms of ADPKD develop between the ages of 30 and 40, but some can
develop earlier, even in their children. Therefore, ADPKD is also called Adult
PKD.
Generally speaking, the earlier the symptoms appear, the worse its
prognosis will be. With Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD),
the patients will have a series of symptoms. As follows: Autosomal Dominant PKD
(ADPKD)
1. High blood pressure
High blood pressure is the most important risk factor in Autosomal Dominant
PKD (ADPKD). Occasionally, the patients may develop headache related to high
blood pressure. With the cysts enlarging, they will oppress the neighboring
nephrons thus causing renal ischemia and anoxia. Then it can stimulate the
kidneys to secrete more renin which plays an important role in controlling blood
pressure. As a result, the blood pressure will rise.
2. Back or flank pain
With the cysts enlarging, they will oppress the surrounding tissues and cause
stretching of the kidney fibrosis tissues so the patients will have pain in
their back or flank. Usually, the patients only have slight pain. However, if
the cysts rupture or have infection, the pain will become sever suddenly.
3. Blood in urine
If the patients with Autosomal Dominant PKD (ADPKD) do not receive effective
treatment in time to prevent the cysts enlargement, they are very likely to
rupture. As the cysts’ surface are covered with small blood capillaries, the
blood will flow into urine. Moreover, if the patients are accompanied with cyst
infection or kidney stone, they will also have blood in urine.
4. An increased size of the abdomen
With the disease developing persistently, the cysts will profoundly enlarge
the kidneys. The patients can touch obvious masses on their abdomen. The
enlarged cysts can replace much of the normal structure, resulting in reduced
kidney function and leading to Kidney Failure.
As PKD is the fourth leading cause of Kidney Failure, it is very important
for patients to receive effective treatment in time. Especially for people with
a family history of PKD, they should take regular check so as to find whether
they are affected by the disease and receive treatments in the first time. If
you want to get a personalized treatments schedule according to your disease
condition, please consult us on line or email to kidney-treatment@hotmail.com.