Understanding Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

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Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

General

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder in which cysts grow within the kidneys, resulting in renal enlargement and loss of function. A cyst is a round benign sac filled with fluids. The cysts vary in size, they can grow and damage the kidneys, causing complications such as high blood pressure and kidney failure. Moreover, cysts can grow in the liver, may cause brain aneurysms, pregnancy complications in women, heart valve abnormalities and diverticulitis. There are two types of inheritance of PKD- autosomal recessive and dominant. Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease is a rare disease. In this form of inheritance (ARPKD), symptoms usually develop shortly after birth. Less commonly, symptoms can appear later in childhood or during adolescence. In order to have ARPKD, both parents must carry the mutated gene.

2 people with Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease

Learn from others who are experiencing Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease.

Signs & symptoms

Polycystic kidney disease symptoms include high blood pressure, back pain, flank pain, blood in urine, fullness in the abdomen, abdominal expansion, headaches, kidney stones, urinary tract and kidney infections.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of polycystic kidney disease may be done with imaging of the kidneys, by US, CT scans or MRI.

Treatment

Polycystic kidney disease treatment varies, depending on the severity of the disease. Often poeple with PKD reash end stage kidney disease within the ages 55-65, but not always. Treatment may include medications for slowing the cyst growth, medications for controlling blood pressure, antibiotics for infections, eating a healthy diet, salt intake restriction, staying hydrated, blood pressure control and avoiding medications such as NSAIDS. When reaching renal failure, dialysis or a kidney transplant are required.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike

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