Polycystic kidney disease presents in two forms: autosomal recessive, which typically presents at birth; and autosomal dominant, which presents later in life. Regardless of the onset, the disease progresses in the same manner. Clusters of cysts develop in the kidneys, but may also occur in the liver, pancreas and spleen, gradually taking over the normal tissue thus robbing the kidney of its function. PKD affects approximately 1 in 500 people with no regard to race, ethnic origin, sex, or age. ARPKD is extremely rare, affecting about 1 in 20,000. Polycystic kidney disease is a life-threatening disease and is the fourth leading cause of kidney failure.
Symptoms of ADPKD do not appear until later in life, usually between 30 and 40 years
Symptoms of ADPKD do not appear until later in life, usually between 30 and 40 years