Polycystic Kidney Disease

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a progressive, genetic disease of the kidneys. It occurs in humans and other animals. PKD is characterized by the presence of multiple cysts (polycystic) in both kidneys. The disease can also damage the liver, pancreas and rarely the heart and brain.

Initial human symptoms are hypertension, fatigue and mild pain and urinary tract infections. The disease can lead to total loss of kidney function - End Stage Renal Disease[?] (ESRD).

The disease is both autosomal recessive and autosomal dominant. The recessive form, called ARPKD is the less common variant. The second type, called ADPKD or Adult Onset PKD is much more common.