Polycystic Kidney Disease, Autosomal Dominant

Synonyms

• ADPKD

Disorder Subdivisions

• None

General Discussion

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a genetic disorder characterized by the formation of cysts within the kidneys. Symptoms caused by cyst formation in the kidneys include high blood pressure (hypertension), pain on the sides of the body between the last rib and the hip (flank pain), blood in the urine (hematuria) and progressively poor function of the kidneys (kidney insufficiency). In approximately 50 percent of cases, ADPKD eventually progresses to cause end stage renal disease, requiring renal replacement therapy, either dialysis or renal transplantation. ADPKD is not simply a kidney disorder and other organ systems of the body can potentially be affected (multisystem disorder) by the development of cysts. The specific symptoms present in each person depend upon the specific organ systems involved. The liver, pancreas, a membrane covering the spinal cord and brain (arachnoid membrane), the prostate, and the glands of the male reproductive tract that produce fluid that is part of semen (seminal vesicles) may become involved. Abnormalities affecting the heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular system) may also occur in individuals with ADPKD. ADPKD usually does not become apparent until the fourth or fifth decade and was once known as "adult" polycystic kidney disease. However, it has been reported in children and infants. ADPKD is caused by mutations of one of two genes that create certain proteins essential for the proper health of the kidneys and other parts of the body.

Resources

American Association of Kidney Patients

3505 E. Frontage Rd

Suite 315

Tampa, FL 33607

USA

Tel: (813)636-8100

Fax: (813)636-8122

Tel: (800)749-2257

Email: info@aakp.org

Internet: http://www.aakp.org



American Kidney Fund, Inc.

6110 Executive Boulevard

Suite. 1010

Rockville, MD 20852

USA

Tel: (301)881-3052

Fax: (301)881-0898

Tel: (800)638-8299

Email: mdemelo@kidneyfund.org

Internet: http://www.kidneyfund.org



National Kidney Foundation

30 East 33rd Street

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212)889-2210

Fax: (212)689-9261

Tel: (800)622-9010

Email: info@kidney.org

Internet: http://www.kidney.org



PKD Foundation

8330 Ward Parkway

Suite 510

Kansas City, MO 64114-2000

USA

Tel: (816)931-2600

Fax: (816)931-8655

Tel: (800)753-2873

Email: pkdcure@pkdcure.org

Internet: http://www.pkdcure.org



NIH/National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse

3 Information Way

Bethesda, MD 20892-3580

Fax: (703)738-4929

Tel: (800)891-5390

TDD: (866)569-1162

Email: nkudic@info.niddk.nih.gov

Internet: http://www.kidney.niddk.nih.gov/



National Hypertension Association, Inc.

324 East 30th Street

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212)889-3557

Fax: (212)447-7032

Tel: (800)575-9355

Email: nathypertension@aol.com

Internet: http://www.nathypertension.org



Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center

PO Box 8126

Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8126

Tel: (301)251-4925

Fax: (301)251-4911

Tel: (888)205-2311

TDD: (888)205-3223

Email: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD/EmailForm.aspx

Internet: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD

For a Complete Report

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.

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This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.

For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org

Last Updated:  6/17/2009

Copyright  2009 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.