Polycystic Kidney Disease
Alternate Names : Polycystic Disease of the Kidneys
What can be done to prevent the disease?
Polycystic kidney disease cannot be prevented in a person who has already
been born. Genetic counseling
may be helpful for couples with a family history of PKD.
What are the long-term effects of the disease?
The infantile form of PKD almost always leads to death because of lung and
breathing problems. The childhood form also commonly leads to death due to i
nfection or kidney or liver failure. Those who survive often need dialysis or a kidney transplant. The adult form can lead to the need for
dialysis or a kidney transplant, strokes, or chronic pain in the abdomen.
What are the risks to others?
Polycystic kidney disease is not contagious. Those who are affected may pass the condition on to
their children in some cases.
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