Polycystic Kidney Disease
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts filled with fluid in the kidneys.
PKD cysts can reduce kidney function, leading to kidney failure. PKD can also cause cysts in the liver and problems in other
organs, such as the heart and blood vessels in the brain. There are two primary inherited forms of PKD (autosomal dominant
PKD and autosomal recessive PKD) and one non-inherited form (acquired cystic kidney disease).
PKD is the fourth leading cause of kidney failure and affects approximately 600,000 people in the United States. According
to the National Kidney Foundation, about 50 percent of people with the autosomal dominant form of PKD progress to kidney failure,
or end-stage renal disease (ESRD), by age 60. About 60 percent will have kidney failure by age 70.
Getting help at Jefferson
Although there is no cure for PKD, Jefferson physicians can help to alleviate the pain associated with this condition. Working
closely with our team of nephrologists, Jefferson urologists provide surgical treatments, including minimally invasive laparoscopic
procedures, to help shrink cysts and relieve pain.
Additional information about polycystic kidney disease
