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What is Polycystic Kidney Disease?
PKD Full Form is Polycystic kidney disease, a genetic disorder that causes numerous fluid-filled cysts to form in the kidneys. The cysts can grow large enough to crowd and damage the kidney tissue. PKD also can cause cysts to form in the liver and other organs.
Types of Polycystic Kidney Disease
There are four main types of polycystic kidney disease (PKD): autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, X-linked, and mitochondrial.
• Autosomal dominant PKD (ADPKD) is the most common type, affecting around 1 in 750 people. A defective gene causes this type of PKD on one of the autosomes (non-sex chromosomes). Most cases of ADPKD are caused by a mutation in the gene that codes for the polycystin-1 protein. This type of PKD is passed on in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means that only one copy of the defective gene is needed for the disease to develop.
• Autosomal recessive PKD (ARPKD) is a much less common type of PKD, affecting around 1 in 25,000 people. A defective gene causes this type of PKD on one of the autosomes, and it is passed on in an autosomal recessive pattern, which means that both copies of the defective gene must be present for the disease to develop.
• X-linked PKD (XLPKD) is a rare type of PKD that affects males only. A defective gene causes this type of PKD on the X chromosome, passed on in an X-linked pattern, which means that the disease is passed from mother to son.
• Mitochondrial PKD (Mt
Symptoms and Complications under Polycystic Kidney Disease
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the symptoms and complications of polycystic kidney disease can vary from person to person. However, some of the most common symptoms and complications associated with the condition include:
- kidney pain
- blood in the urine
- high blood pressure
- urinary tract infections
- kidney stones
- heart problems
- stroke
- early-onset diabetes
- miscarriage
The complications of polycystic kidney disease can be serious and even life-threatening, so it is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above.
Diagnosis of Polycystic Kidney Disease
There is no definitive test to diagnose PKD. A combination of tests is used, including medical history, physical examination, imaging tests, and blood tests.
- Medical history: A doctor will ask about symptoms and family history.
- Physical examination: The doctor will check for signs of PKD, such as an enlarged kidney or liver, and listen to the heart and lungs.
- Imaging tests: An ultrasound or CT scan can be used to see if the kidneys are enlarged and to look for cysts.
- Blood tests: A blood test can measure the level of creatinine, a waste product released by the kidneys. High levels of creatinine can be a sign of kidney damage.
Treatment of Polycystic Kidney Disease
There is no cure for polycystic kidney disease. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing or delaying complications.
Treatment may include:
- blood pressure medications to control high blood pressure
- diuretics to help remove fluid from the body
- pain medications
- liver transplant, if the liver is affected
- kidney transplant, if the kidneys are affected
What is the life expectancy of patients having PKD( Polycystic Kidney Disease)?
There is no one answer to this question, as the life expectancy of patients with PKD can vary greatly depending on the severity of the disease and other individual factors. However, on average, patients with PKD have a life expectancy of around 48 years.
What foods should be avoided in PKD(Polycystic Kidney Disease)?
There is no specific food to be avoided in PKD, but people with PKD are recommended to eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
