Question 1

what is the cause of polycystic kidney disease?

Accepted Answer

Cause- unknown: Exact etiology for PKD unknown. Some researchers swear that genetics plays a big role-- hence ADPKD and ARPKD ( autosomal dominant type and recessive type). But then there are other tapers not genetically oriented. Some hypothesize-- something goes wrong in signaling at cellular level during renal development--- pronephro/ mesonephros/ metabephros stages!

Question 2

is polycystic kidney disease the same entity as polycystitis?

Accepted Answer

No : Polycystic kidney disease is a genetic disease where multiple cysts can form in the kidney and other organs and cause kidney failure. Polycystitis is sometimes used to refer to polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Question 3

hi doctors, can you tell me what is polycystic kidney disease?

Accepted Answer

Inherited problem: Polycystic kidney disease is something you inherit from a parent. If you know you have it, you will want to learn as much as you can about monitoring and protecting your kidney function. You will also want to learn about the treatment of kidney failure. Many people with polycystic kidneys receive kidney transplants - which is probably the best of all options when kidneys aren't working. Lgromkomd.

Question 4

what shouldn't i eat/drink if i have polycystic kidney disease?

Accepted Answer

Consistency : Make healthy decisions: low sodium diet, exercise, no tobacco, and be consistent. Take prescribed medications, control blood pressure, avoid all nsaids, if diabetic manage it well, and like everyone it helps to have a little bit of good luck too. Get a nephrologist (kidney doctor) who will look for ways to slow/prevent loss of kidney function, and if needed prepare for end stage kidney disease.

Question 5

is autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease testing available ?

Accepted Answer

Yes: You have to get a renal ultrasound.  It is an imaging test that determines the size and number of cysts ona kidney.  Based upon the number of cysts on each kidney and depending on your age, then it can be determined if you have adpkd.

Question 6

what is the typical life expectancy for someone with polycystic kidney disease?

Accepted Answer

No straight answer: if your kidney function remains preserved, no effect. if the kidney function declines and you wind up on dialysis, the life expectancy becomes more consistent with what people on dialysis get. and that can be pretty good if everything remains ideal. at some point kidney transplant may be an attractive option if there is no contraindication to the surgery which is involved in transplant.

Question 7

what is the difference between multicystic kidneys and polycystic kidney disease?

Accepted Answer

Maybe no difference: Some cysts in the kidneys may be normal as people get older, and may not have anything to do with family history.  Polycystic kidney disease is a genetically transmitted/caused (altho as many as 20% of patients have no family history) and in the long run frequently causes kidney failure.  In polycystic kidney disease, other organs (blood vessels, liver, heart valves) may be affected also.

Question 8

how should i take care of myself if i have polycystic kidney disease and am diabetic?

Accepted Answer

Secondary prevention: Obviously, you have some kidney damage from the polycystic kidney disease, so at this point, your goal is prevention of kidney failure or its progression if already present and complications. Good sugar and blood pressure control are the main two areas to work on. Taking medication that will prevent progression is another avenue.

Question 9

my fetus has just been diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease. what does that mean?

Accepted Answer

See below: Polycystic kidney disease is a inherited disorder and in your fetus case called autosomal  recessive polycystic kidney disease.Cysts are fluid filled cavities in the kidney.Your doctor will consult a pediatrician/pediatric nephrologist  to decide the next steps.

Question 10

what can i do to help my kidney function even though i have polycystic kidney disease.

Accepted Answer

Kidney disease: Make sure your blood pressure is controlled, maintain hydration, maintain a normal wait, control your diet, avoid a lot of protein, follow your nephrologist direction.

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What is the cause of polycystic kidney disease?

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Is polycystic kidney disease the same entity as polycystitis?

A member asked:

Hi doctors, can you tell me what is polycystic kidney disease?

A member asked:

What shouldn't i eat/drink if i have polycystic kidney disease?

A member asked:

Is autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease testing available ?

A member asked:

What is the typical life expectancy for someone with polycystic kidney disease?

A member asked:

What is the difference between multicystic kidneys and polycystic kidney disease?

A member asked:

How should i take care of myself if i have polycystic kidney disease and am diabetic?

A member asked:

My fetus has just been diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease. what does that mean?

A member asked:

What can i do to help my kidney function even though i have polycystic kidney disease.

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