One in every 1,000 people suffers from polycystic kidney disease, a genetic condition that affects both adults and children. Some live to be adults who have families, but are faced with a painful condition that requires surgery as a treatment, but not a cure. Some die only hours after birth.
PKD is characterized by the presence of multiple cysts on the kidneys. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs. These cysts enlarge the kidneys and cause swelling "disrupting kidney function and leading to chronic high blood pressure and kidney infections," according to the MedlinePlus article, "Polycystic kidney disease." "The cysts may cause the kidneys to increase production of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates production of red blood cells. This leads to too many red blood cells, rather than the anemia seen in chronic kidney disease." PKD is a painful condition that can lead to kidney infections and kidney stones.
Currently, there is treatment for PKD, but no cure. PKD patients undergo surgical procedures to drain the cysts, remove kidneys, or transplant kidneys. More advanced cases may require dialysis, a procedure in which the blood is filtered, usually every week.
Comments
Thank you for calling attention to this common but little-known disease, Diane! Much appreciated!
Best,
Kennythekidney.com
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