What Is Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney
Disease?
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is one
of the most common forms of polycystic kidney disease.
It is present at birth in 1 in 400 to 1 in 1,000 babies, and
it affects approximately 400,000 people in the United States.
ADPKD occurs in individuals and families worldwide and in all
races.
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder
characterized by the growth of numerous in both kidneys. The
cysts are filled with fluid.
The progressive expansion of PKD cysts slowly replaces much
of the normal mass of the kidneys, and can reduce kidney
function and lead to kidney failure.
When PKD causes kidneys to fail - which usually happens
after many years - the patient requires dialysis or kidney
transplantation.
About one-half of people with the major type of PKD progress
to kidney failure, also called end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
PKD can also cause cysts in the liver and problems in other
organs, such as the heart and blood vessels in the brain.
Health
Related Websites
The National Cancer
Institute
The National Eye
Institute
The National Heart, Lung,
and Blood Institute

National Institute on
Aging

National Institute of
Allergy and Infectious Diseases

National Institute of
Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

National Institute of
Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

National Institute on Drug
Abuse

National Institute of Mental
Health

National Institute of
Neurological Disorders and Stroke
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