what is pkd disease

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder that causes many fluid-filled cysts to grow in the kidneys. These cysts are noncancerous round sacs containing fluid, and they can change the shape of the kidneys, including making them much larger. PKD is an inherited disorder that is passed from parents to children through genes. There are two main types of PKD: autosomal dominant PKD (ADPKD) and autosomal recessive PKD (ARPKD) . ADPKD is the more common type and usually diagnosed in adulthood, while ARPKD is a rare form that can be diagnosed in the womb or shortly after a baby is born. PKD can cause other complications, such as high blood pressure, cysts in the liver, and problems with blood vessels in the brain and heart. Symptoms of PKD include chronic pain, high blood pressure, back or side pain, an increase in the size of the abdomen, blood in the urine, frequent bladder or kidney infections, and fluttering or pounding in the chest. PKD can interfere with the ability of the kidneys to keep wastes from building to toxic levels, and as the disease worsens, end-stage kidney (renal) disease may result, necessitating ongoing kidney dialysis or a transplant to prolong life.