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Conditions & Treatments

Polycystic Kidney Disease

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What is Polycystic Kidney Disease?

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a rare genetic disorder that causes cysts filled with fluid to grow in the kidneys. These cysts can affect how the kidneys work. If numerous cysts grow or become enlarged, it can lead to kidney failure. PKD may also cause cysts in the liver, pancreas, heart, or blood vessels of the brain. It is the 4th leading cause of kidney failure, affecting around 600,000 people in the U.S.

Types of Polycystic Kidney Disease

Autosomal dominant PKD (ADPKD)

  • Most common form
  • Symptoms appear typically between ages 30-40
  • Inherited when one parent carries the mutated gene
  • About 50% of people with ADPKD develop kidney failure by the age of 50

Autosomal recessive PKD (ARPKD)

  • Rare form
  • Symptoms appear in infancy or early childhood
  • Both parents must carry the mutated gene
  • May lead to early kidney and liver problems

Symptoms of PKD

PKD may not cause symptoms until cysts are large. Common signs include:

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Treatments for Polycystic Kidney Disease

Diagnosis

University of Rochester Medicine nephrology team will use:

  • Blood and urine tests
  • Imaging (CT, MRI or ultrasound)
  • Family history 

Treatment and Management

While there is no known cure for PKD, we offer several ways to reduce cyst growth:

  • Tolvaptan: FDA-approved medication that slows cyst growth; used only after discussing side effects with a nephrologist
  • Lifestyle changes: maintain healthy weight, stay hydrated, reduce salt and caffeine, stop smoking, and exercise
  • Blood pressure control: ACE inhibitors or ARBs essential for preserving kidney function
  • Symptom relief: pain management, cyst drainage or surgery for large cysts, and antibiotics for infections
  • Advanced options: dialysis or kidney transplant if kidney failure occurs

What Sets Us Apart?

Our Nephrology Division, which treats kidney patients, has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report for years as one of the top adult nephrology care centers in the country.

Our nephrologists serve as medical directors for 12 dialysis units, providing care to over 600 dialysis patients, and provide ongoing care to 650 kidney transplant recipients.

Our nephrologists work closely with UR Medicine’s Advanced Heart Failure Program, providing Nephrologic care to patients with Ventricular Assist Devices and Total Artificial Heart Implantation.

We have a diverse group of physicians interested in the entire spectrum of nephrology services.

Because we’re an integrated academic health system, we also lead research studies with funding from the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and other sources. So we’re aware of the latest developments in care.

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