Polycystic Kidney Disease

            In the US there are many types of Kidney diseases that exist. One specific disease is Polycystic Kidney Disease. There are three forms of this type of kidney disease, Autosomal dominant PKD, Autosomal Recessive PKD, and Acquired Cystic Kidney Disease. In the US there are approximately 500,000 people whom have Polycystic Kidney Disease. PKD is one of the most common leading causes to kidney failure. (National Kidney) .
             Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) can be defined as, "a genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts filled with fluid in the kidneys." (Urology Disorders) The cysts on the kidneys slowly begin to replace much of the kidneys mass; it is possible for a cyst filled kidney to weigh a possible 22 pounds. This impairs the Kidneys ability to function properly and causes kidney failure. (National Kidney) "PKD is the fourth leading cause to kidney failure."(Urology) .
             The first most common type of PKD is Autosomal Dominant PKD. This is the most common form of PKD and can only be caused by inherited genes. About 90% of PKD is this form. There is a 50 % chance that if one parent has it, his child will receive it. (Mamas health) This type of PKD is also sometimes known as, "adult polycystic kidney disease", because symptoms usually do not develop until much later in life. "The most common symptoms are pain in the back and headaches. The dull pain can be temporary or persistent, mild or severe."(National Kidney) Other symptoms that sometimes occur consist of urinary tract infections, kidney stones, cysts developing on the liver, high blood pressure, aneurysms, also hematuria. (M.H. Breuning 43 ).
             Autosomal dominant PKD is most commonly diagnosed using ultrasound imaging, CT scans, and also using a recently developed genetic test. For this type of PKD to be diagnosed, a doctor must observe three or more cysts on one or both of the kidneys and by checking into the patient's family medical history for possible PKD traits.