Polycystic Kidney Disease
(PKD)
In this condition factsheet:
Diagnosing Polycystic Kidney Disease
The most reliable way to diagnose polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is by an ultrasound of the kidneys – the images allow the doctors to see the cysts, and more specifically, their size and how numerous they are. Occasionally, PKD is discovered by accident during an ultrasound or through blood or urine tests being done for other reasons. Blood tests can show a buildup of toxins such as urea, while urine tests can show that the kidneys aren't filtering properly, allowing protein or red blood cells to pass through.
When PKD cysts are quite numerous and large, doctors are sometimes able to palpate (feel) them.
CT or CAT (computed tomography) scans and MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging) also allow doctors to see the cysts, but the diagnosis can usually be made with an ultrasound.
Family history is important in reaching a diagnosis. Genetic testing is available to help people understand the probability that their children will inherit the condition.
Treating and Preventing Polycystic Kidney Disease
There are some medications that may be used for PKD such as tolvaptan and sirolimus, which can help slow down the growth of kidney cysts. However, these are not routinely used as tolvaptan has been reported to cause severe liver damage, and sirolimus only slows the increase in kidney volume but not the decline in kidney function.
Although PKD does not have a cure, most people with PKD can lead a normal life. The goal of treatment is to ease the symptoms and prevent infections and other problems that can make the condition worse. Treatment is needed to keep complications (such as kidney failure) from occurring or to delay their development.
Pain: In order to relieve pain from the cysts, the larger cysts can sometimes be drained of the fluid, relieving pressure on the area around them. To do this, a small catheter (a very small, flexible tube) is inserted into the cyst to remove the fluid. In severe cases, surgery might be needed to remove the cysts, but this is usually only a temporary solution. Since many pain medications are removed from the body by the kidneys, people with PKD should check with their doctor or pharmacist before starting any medications for pain.
Hypertension: Controlling high blood pressure is important to prevent further kidney damage. Treatment of high blood pressure might involve changes in lifestyle (exercise, diet, stress reduction) and medications.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs): UTIs should be treated as soon as possible, usually with antibiotics, since infection can cause further damage to the kidneys.
Kidney failure: If PKD results in kidney failure (end-stage renal failure) and all other treatments have not stopped the progression of kidney damage, dialysis, or a kidney transplant may be considered.
Dialysis is a process that removes excess fluids and wastes from the bloodstream using a membrane – instead of a kidney – as a filter. Kidney transplants are relatively common now and have a good success rate. Someone who has had a successful transplant can go on to live a normal, healthy life for many years.
Dietary changes: While high blood pressure in PKD may not be caused by salt intake, lowering dietary salt can help in blood pressure control. Try to avoid processed meats, canned soups, and frozen dinners, and fill your plate with fresh vegetables and other healthy ingredients. People should also drink a sufficient amount of fluid (at least 3 litres) per day.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Polycystic-Kidney-Disease
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