Polycystic Disease of the Kidneys - Polycystic Kidney Disease

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.