Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)

Post by Master, Doctor Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy - Endocrinologist - Dialysis - Kidney Transplant - Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital

Polycystic kidney disease is an inherited disease that can negatively affect the kidneys, heart, and brain. Recognizing the symptoms and causes of the disease will help patients control and treat the disease early. From there, polycystic kidney patients will minimize the health complications.

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a condition in which many cysts develop inside the kidney. Polycystic kidney disease is characterized by all the cysts containing fluid. If the cyst grows too much or is too large, the kidneys will be gradually damaged leading to impaired kidney function and kidney failure. PKD is the fourth leading cause of end-stage renal failure. Both men and women can be equally affected.
PKD conditions can affect organs other than the kidneys. Patients with polycystic kidney disease are at increased risk of developing cysts in the liver, pancreas, spleen, ovaries, and large intestine. Cysts in these organs do not cause serious problems, although a small percentage of patients are affected. Polycystic kidney disease also affects the brain and heart. In PKD people with cerebral aneurysms, when ruptured, it will cause stroke, even death. On the other hand, polycystic kidney disease affecting the heart will cause heart valve disease.

Most patients will not have symptoms until the age of 30 - 40 years. The first symptoms and signs may be:
Back pain or pain on one side of the back Abdominal enlargement Blood in urine Frequent urination or urinary tract infections Hypertension: is the most common manifestation of PKD. At this time, the patient has a headache caused by high blood pressure or is discovered by the doctor accidentally during routine examination. High blood pressure causes kidney damage and requires treatment. Treating high blood pressure helps slow the progression or even prevent kidney failure. Chest discomfort or heaviness, almost like left angina if the heart is affected.

Abdominal ultrasonography is a reliable, low-cost and non-invasive means of diagnosis of polycystic kidney. If a patient at risk for PKD is over 40 years of age, and renal ultrasonography does not reveal cysts, it is unlikely that they will develop PKD in the future. In some cases, the doctor will assign the patient an abdominal CT scan or an abdominal MRI to diagnose and monitor the disease.
On the other hand, the patient can be tested for genetics, looking for the abnormal gene that causes the disease. Gene testing is not recommended for all patients with PKD because it is expensive and 15% inaccurate. Indicated cases to perform this method:
On ultrasound, it is not possible to determine whether PKD is present or not? Family history of a relative with PKD and want to donate a kidney Patient under the age of 30, a family member with PKD, renal ultrasound not showing PKD but planning to start a family

Approximately 50% of patients with polycystic kidney disease have renal failure by the age of 60 years, and about 60% have renal failure by the age of 70. PKD patients at high risk of renal failure include:
Men Having hypertension Having hematuria or proteinuria Female with hypertension and pregnancy more than 3 times

There is currently no treatment for this condition. However, much research is still underway to find the most effective treatment for polycystic kidney disease. In fact, supportive treatment helps to reduce the size of the cyst, preventing the progression of kidney disease. Methods to improve the condition that the patient can apply at home such as:
Drink filtered water instead of caffeinated drinks Effective treatment of high blood pressure Treat antibiotics immediately if there is a UTI Drink a lot water when hematuria is noted Take pain relievers (ask your doctor which medicine is less nephrotoxic) Healthy lifestyle including smoking cessation, exercise, weight loss, low salt diet Avoid exercise contact sports because of the risk of kidney injury, drink enough water when playing sports If you have any questions as well as visit polycystic kidney disease, you can go to Vinmec International General Hospital for specialists. consulting industry. Vinmec International General Hospital with a system of modern facilities, medical equipment and a team of experts and doctors with many years of experience in medical examination and treatment, patients can rest assured to visit. and hospital treatment.