Cystic Kidney Diseases

What type of cystic kidney disease might I develop?

Cystic kidney disease refers to a group of health conditions that cause cysts to develop in your kidneys. A cyst consists of a fluid-filled sac that can appear anywhere in your body and is usually benign (noncancerous).

Cystic kidney diseases fall into two broad categories: familial (inherited) and acquired. Three examples of cystic kidney disease are:

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)

PKD is a familial disorder that causes many clusters of cysts to develop inside the kidneys. As a result, your kidneys enlarge and can't function normally.

You can develop one of several types of inherited PKD. Depending on the type, you may have complications such as:

• Secondary hypertension(high blood pressure)
• Kidney failure
• Liver cysts
• Kidney stones
• Aortic aneurysms

PKD is one of the most common genetic disorders.

Medullary cystic kidney disease (MCKD)

MCKD, another familial disorder, causes small cysts in the inner part of your kidneys. These cysts cause prominent scarring that typically leads to kidney failure and high uric acid levels, which, in turn, cause gout.

Acquired cystic kidney disease

Acquired cystic kidney disease can develop in people who already have chronic kidney disease. The cysts occur in 7-22% of patients before they need dialysis and in 60% of people on dialysis for several years.

What symptoms develop due to cystic kidney diseases?

Cystic kidney diseases cause two primary symptoms: blood in your urine and pain in your lower sides, back, or abdomen. As the kidneys enlarge, you may have a bloated abdomen. People with cystic kidney diseases are susceptible to kidney infections, kidney stones, and urinary tract infections.

As the kidneys suffer more damage, most patients develop secondary hypertension (high blood pressure), kidney failure, and electrolyte disorders. People with familial cystic kidney disease may develop cysts in other parts of their body, including their liver.

How are cystic kidney diseases treated?

The Renal Clinic of Houston focuses your treatment on relieving symptoms and treating underlying problems such as hypertension, electrolyte disorders, and kidney stones.

Your individualized treatment may include the following:

• Taking medication to slow cyst growth
• Taking medication to control blood pressure
• Following a low-sodium, low-fat, moderate-protein diet
• Drinking fluids throughout the day
• Antibiotics for bladder or kidney infections
• Draining the cysts
• Injecting medication to shrink the cysts
• Surgery to remove the cysts
• Dialysis
• Kidney transplant

To receive advanced care for cystic kidney diseases, call the Renal Clinic of Houston or book an appointment online today.