Polycystic kidney Disease Treatment in India

Overview of the Condition

What is Polycystic kidney disease?

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a condition in which multiple fluid-filled sacs, called cysts, develop mainly in the kidneys. These cysts are non-cancerous, but they gradually increase in size and number over time.

As the cysts grow, the kidneys become enlarged and may lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. PKD is usually an inherited condition, meaning it is passed from parents to their children.

Why is it important?

PKD is a progressive disease that can lead to serious health problems, including:

High blood pressure
Kidney failure
Pain
High blood pressure during pregnancy
Brain aneurysm (A bulge in a brain blood vessel, which can burst and lead to bleeding)
Chronic kidney disease
Heart valve problems
The need for dialysis or a kidney transplant

Who is commonly affected?

PKD can affect people of all ages, races, and ethnic groups

It affects both males and females equally
People with a family history of PKD have a higher risk of developing the condition

Causes / Why it happens

Underlying causes

PKD is caused by changes (mutations) in certain genes that affect kidney development.

In most cases, the altered gene is inherited from one or both parents
In some cases, the gene change occurs spontaneously (a new mutation) without a family history of the disease

There are two main types of PKD:

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD): The most common type, usually inherited from one affected parent
Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD): A rarer type that occurs when a child inherits an altered gene from both parents

Risk factors

The main risk factors for PKD include:

A family history of PKD
Inheriting the altered gene from one or both parents

Signs and symptoms

The signs and symptoms of PKD vary depending on the type of PKD.

In ADPKD:

Common signs and symptoms include;

Pain in the back or sides (flank)
High blood pressure
Headaches
Blood in the urine (Hematuria)
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Kidney stones

For ARPKD:

In newborns;

Low birth weight
Swollen abdomen
High blood pressure at birth
Breathing difficulties

In children;

Poor growth
Recurrent UTIs
High blood pressure
Pain in the abdomen or lower back

Before birth (during pregnancy);

Enlarged kidneys
Too little fluid around the baby during pregnancy

Do symptoms always appear immediately?2

No. This disease often causes no symptoms, and about half of the cases are diagnosed during a person's lifetime.2

When to see a doctor

Consult a healthcare provider if you experience any signs or symptoms of PKD. People with a parent, sibling, or child who has PKD should discuss screening and regular kidney check-ups with their healthcare provider.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

Swelling of the legs, ankles, or feet
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Inability to pass urine

Diagnosis and investigations

Clinical evaluation

A nephrologist (kidney specialist) usually diagnoses PKD
A physical examination is performed to assess signs of kidney disease and related complications

Tests

The following tests may be recommended to diagnose PKD:

Kidney ultrasound (Most common kidney imaging test)
Prenatal ultrasound (It is used to identify PKD in a fetus during pregnancy)
Computed tomography (CT) scan
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Genetic testing (A blood or saliva sample may be tested to identify the gene changes (mutations) that cause PKD)

Treatment options

There is no cure for PKD. Treatment focuses on slowing the progression of the disease, relieving symptoms, and preventing complications.

Non-surgical management

Treatment may include:

Blood pressure control to help protect the kidneys
Pain management with medicines, when needed
Dialysis to remove waste products from the blood if the kidneys are no longer working properly
Breathing support for newborns with underdeveloped lungs or breathing difficulties
Growth therapy for infants with poor growth or low body weight

When is a procedure or surgery needed?

A kidney transplant may be recommended if PKD progresses to kidney failure. During this procedure, the damaged kidney function is replaced with a healthy donor kidney

Follow up

Attend all scheduled follow-up visits to monitor kidney function and overall recovery after the transplant, and contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience:

Fever of 37°C (100°F) or higher
New pain or tenderness around the kidney
Swelling (edema)
Flu-like symptoms, such as chills, headache, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting
A noticeable decrease in the amount of urine passed
Any new or unusual symptoms or changes in your health

Lifestyle changes

The following lifestyle changes may help support kidney health:

Avoid drinking alcohol
Quit smoking or using tobacco
Be physically active for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week
Maintain a healthy body weight or lose excess weight, if recommended
Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night
Manage stress through healthy coping techniques
Staying hydrated
Take blood pressure medicines

Myths and Facts

Myth

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is the same as having a few simple kidney cysts.

Fact

PKD is a genetic condition in which many cysts develop and gradually affect kidney function. Simple kidney cysts are common with aging and usually do not cause kidney disease.

Myth

If no one in my family has PKD, I cannot develop it.

Fact

Although PKD is usually inherited, some people develop it because of a new genetic mutation without a family history.

Myth

Everyone with PKD will need dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Fact

Many people with PKD live for years with good kidney function. Regular monitoring and treatment can help slow disease progression and delay complications.

Myth

If I feel well, my kidneys must be healthy.

Fact

PKD often causes no symptoms in its early stages. Regular check-ups are important, especially if you have a family history of the condition.