Is polycystic kidney disease life threatening?

Polycystic kidney disease, also known as PKD, is a genetic disorder characterized by the formation of cysts in the kidneys. This condition affects about 600,000 people in the United States alone and unfortunately there is no cure. Despite its prevalence, many people are unaware of what this disease entails or whether it poses a threat to their life. In this article, we will dive into what exactly polycystic kidney disease is and whether or not it should be considered a death sentence.

What is Polycystic Kidney Disease?

Polycystic kidney disease refers to two inherited forms of cyst formation within the kidneys: autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD). These cysts can grow quite large and disrupt normal renal function leading to complications such as hypertension, hematuria (blood in urine), proteinuria (protein leaking into urine), chronic pain, and even loss of renal function.

Autosomal Dominant Polycytic Kidney Disease

Autosomal dominant polycistic (not) does not discriminate! It’s more common than having your credit card information stolen after buying too much online shopping during quarantine.
With an incidence rate ranging from 1/400-1000 people worldwide across all races.
This form usually presents itself later on in adult years with symptoms occurring around middle-age thus most individuals won’t know they have ADPK until later on.

ADPKD occurs when one mutated gene that produces certain kinds of proteins inside our body’s cells becomes dominant over its counterpart healthy gene which isn’t able to suppress growth well leading these enlarged sac-like structures throughout both kidneys interfering with urinary output voiding out any type “normal” signifying health leaving one feeling 😞

Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease

In contrast to ADPK, Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is a much rarer form of PKD that affects newborns and young children. Due to it being inherited in a recessive manner means that both parents must have the mutated gene for an individual to develop ARPKD; however, carriers themselves do not experience any symptoms.

Children born with this condition typically present with renal cysts as well as hepatic (liver) fibrosis capable of producing cirrhosis.

Therefore individuals afflicted by ARPK encounter progressively worsening liver impairment alongside other complications.
“Once upon a time at birth…..”

Is Polycystic Kidney Disease life-threatening?

The short answer- yes! The long answer takes into consideration everything about autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease we’ve discussed thus far which has grave implications concerning mortality rates.

Some people go their entire lives without experiencing any issues while others unfortunately suffer from disastrous health consequences leading ultimately towards premature death from numerous causes directly related to deteriorating renal function declining over years resulting from the accumulation of cyst growth 🙀

Complications Associated With Polycystic Kidney Disease

Although there are options available for those suffering such as supportive treatment for symptom management i.e dialysis and transplant until them ‘cysts 💣 officially hit the fan’, eventually certain circumstances will lead one towards unfavourable scenarios.
It’s like living on borrowed time!
Complications include:

Cardiovascular Issues:

Wholly 50% of all deaths related with polish Kindly diamonds stem back having something wrong mit der heart ❤️ ranging anywhere between CHF(congestive heart failure), 😔 stroke or cerebral aneurysms due impaired blood flow rate & ease disturbances caused by increased pressure interfering with homostasis within vessel walls.

Loss of Renal Function:

PKD typically leads to loss of renal function over time which appears when cysts grow to the point where they obstruct urinary flow & rendering kidney tissue non-functional
There’s only so much that nephrons (the working units inside your kidneys) can do after all.

Anaemia:

Polycystic organs 👀 interfering with producing erythropoietin, causing anaemia, leaving one feeling constantly fatigued and drained.

Life Expectancy With Polycystic Kidney Disease

With such fatal complications present within PKD it’s not surprising that life expectancy is affected as well. A study by Holmen in 2000 estimated a median age of death for PKD patients between the ages of 53-73 years old whilst taking into consideration vertical transmission passing from parents ➡️ offspring meaning if someone inherits ADPK they are prone developing illness at an earlier onset compared ARPK progeny thus decreasing their lifespan
It just goes to show! Genetics plays such a huge role in our health

Conclusion

Polycystic kidney disease is indeed life-threatening. Affected individuals regardless which variant – autosomal dominant or recessive- need close medical monitoring throughout their life better dealt with early than later ⏰ Medications out today don’t really treat PKD jively rather aim management.
Supporting treatment regimes such as dialysis and transplant would work– coming forward openly about carrying genetic predispositions in families enables more awareness potentially reducing transmittance down subsequent lineages until there’s a cure be found.

Random Posts