What Is Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease?
Dominant polycystic kidney disease is a genetic disorder that affects more than 12 million adults and children, or roughly 1 in 500 people, throughout the world. Also known as simply PKD, dominant polycystic kidney disease is so-named because it is characterized by multiple fluid-filled cysts forming along the nephron region of both kidneys, the portion that filters out impurities. These cysts are comprised of cells that proliferate at a much faster rate than normal kidney cells, leading to an increased number and size of cysts. In fact, the number and size of these cysts eventually becomes proportionate to the size and weight of the kidneys and liver, which suffer inflammation and impaired functioning as a result. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for dominant polycystic kidney disease, nor is there any treatment.
