What is the full form of PKD
PKD: Polycystic Kidney Disease
PKD stands for Polycystic Kidney Disease. It is a genetic disorder in which numerous cysts develop in the kidney. The kidney increases in size and its surface becomes bumpy. The cysts contain fluid and replace much of the mass of the kidneys which affects kidney function and leads to kidney failure. PKD is one of the leading causes of kidney failure. In addition to kidneys, the cysts may also develop in the liver or elsewhere in the body in this medical condition.
PKD is usually diagnosed by ultrasound imaging, CT scan or MRI scan. Its treatment includes managing pain and treating infection, high blood pressure and kidney damage through supportive treatments.
At present, there is no cure for PKD. According to recent studies, apart from supportive treatments, drinking plenty of pain water throughout the day and avoiding caffeine-rich beverages can help reduce the growth of cysts.
Symptoms
- High blood pressure
- Headaches
- Enlarged kidneys
- Blood in the urine
- Kidney stones
- Urinary tract or kidney infection
- Pale skin
- Joint pain
- Nail abnormalities
- Liver and pancreatic cysts
- Abnormal heart valves
Types of PKD
There are two types of PKD based on the two different genetic flaws:
- Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD): It is also known as adult polycystic disease as it usually occurs between the ages of 30 and 40. In ADPKD, if one parent has the disease, it can pass to the children, e.g. each child has 50% chances of getting this disease if either mother or father has ADPKD.
- Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD): It is also known as juvenile polycystic kidney disease as it usually occurs in infants and young children. It is a rare genetic disorder that develops if each of your parent has the defective copy of the disease gene, e.g. if only one parent has the defective gene, the child will not get this disease.