Polycystic Kidney Disease

Treatment for Kidney Diseases in New Jersey

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder characterized by the growth of fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys. If left untreated, PKD can interfere with kidney function and result in renal failure. It is currently the fourth leading cause of kidney failure, so it is important that you go to the doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of its symptoms.

Symptoms of PKD include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Detectable abdominal mass
  • Pale color to skin and easy bruising
  • High blood pressure
  • Kidney stones
  • Aneurysms (bulging of the walls of blood vessels) in the brain
  • Diverticulosis (pouches in the intestines)
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Hematuria (blood in the urine)
  • Liver and pancreatic cysts
  • Abnormal heart valves

Causes of PKD

People can have PKD for years before it is diagnosed. If your parent has PKD there is 50% chance that it will be passed on to you and you should ask your doctor for a screening.

There are two primary types of PKD

  • Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) – this form of PKD accounts for 90% of all cases. It usually begins developing between the ages of 30 and 40, though it has been known to occur in children.
  • Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) – This is the less common form of PKD because it is carried on recessive genes. It is slightly different from ADPKD in that it often starts developing before birth. Children born with this condition may develop kidney failure within a few years.

Treatment & Symptom Management

PKD is not yet curable, at this point doctors focus treatment on slowing down kidney degeneration and managing symptoms. There are several symptoms that require monitoring and management with PKD:

  • Lowering high blood pressure through diet, exercise, medication.
  • Pain management with physician-approved over-the-counter medications
  • Blood in urine by drinking plenty of water
  • Treating kidney infections by visiting the doctor and receiving antibiotics
  • Recovering from kidney failure by managing it with dialysis or receiving a kidney transplant

PKD is a serious condition that should be diagnosed as soon as possible to delay or prevent the more serious symptoms. Our knowledgeable nephrologists can provide you and your loved ones with the latest in evidence-based kidney care treatments.

Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
94 Old Short Hills Road
Livingston, NJ 07039
(973) 322-5000
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Monmouth Medical Center
300 Second Avenue
Long Branch, NJ 07740
(732) 222-5200
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Clara Maass Medical Center
1 Clara Maass Drive
Belleville, NJ 07109
(973) 450-2000
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Community Medical Center
99 Highway 37 West
Toms River, NJ 08755
(732) 557-8000
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Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
201 Lyons Avenue at Osborne Terrace
Newark, NJ 07112
(973) 926-7000
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Children's Hospital of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
201 Lyons Avenue at Osborne Terrace
Newark, NJ 07112
(973) 926-7000
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Jersey City Medical Center
355 Grand Street
Jersey City, NJ 07302
(201) 915-2000
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RWJ University Hospital Rahway
865 Stone Street
Rahway, NJ 07065
(732) 381-4200
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RWJ University Hospital Somerset
110 Rehill Avenue
Somerville, NJ 08876
(908) 685-2200
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Trinitas Regional Medical Center – Williamson Street Campus
225 Williamson St
Elizabeth, NJ 07202
(908) 994-5000
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The Unterberg Children's Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center
300 2nd Avenue
Long Branch, NJ 07740
(732) 923-7250
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RWJ University Hospital Hamilton
1 Hamilton Health Place
Hamilton, NJ 08690
(609) 586-7900
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Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
1 Robert Wood Johnson Place
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
(732) 828-3000
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Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
600 River Avenue
Lakewood, NJ 08701
(732) 363-1900
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