Polycystic kidneys are characterized by the formation of cysts within the kidney, which are fluid-filled sacs. These cysts, depending on their size and quantity, can alter the size of the kidneys and disrupt their normal functions over time, potentially leading to kidney failure. Approximately half of individuals diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) will progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), necessitating dialysis or a kidney transplant.
PKD ranks as the fourth leading cause of kidney failure in the United States, affecting an estimated 600,000 individuals in the country. It’s important to note that PKD is not contagious and cannot be transmitted through viruses or exposure to affected individuals. Instead, it is a hereditary condition with two inherited forms: autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD).
