Polycystic Kidney Disease: What You Should Know

By Ingrid Calliste, MD

The fourth leading cause of kidney failure is called polycystic kidney disease and 600,000 people in the United State have the disorder.

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) affects the kidneys with cysts that grow and are filled with fluid. These cysts can damage the kidneys, and essentially take over the kidney’ ability to work properly, especially if there are numerous cysts growing at one time. These cysts can severely reduce kidney function.

Poly cystic kidney disease can also affect other organs in the body including the spleen, ovaries, liver, pancreas, bowels, brain, and heart. Most people don’t develop PKD until middle age, and the symptoms can range from mild to severe.

The primary symptoms of PKD are as follows:
• High blood pressure
• Back or side pain
• Swollen abdomen
• Blood in the urine
• Frequent bladder and/or kidney infections
• Fluttering or pounding chest
• Chest pain
• Headaches

50 to 60 percent of individuals with PKD will develop kidney failure.

PKD Treatment
Individuals with PKD will need dialysis and possible a kidney transplant. There are also medications that can help treat the disorder and certain diets that will help to prevent the growth of the cysts, which can stop the progression of the disease. PKD can be genetic, so it’s best to speak to your physician about your children’s health or any planned pregnancies.

Sunshine Kidney Care
Sunshine Kidney Care is an advanced Nephrology Practice in Central Florida led by board-certified nephrologists – Dr. John Hayes and Dr. Ingrid Calliste who together offer a combined 24 years of expert care and experience in the areas of chronic kidney disease, hypertension, electrolyte disorders and acute kidney injury. Their patients can expect quality, collaborative, comprehensive, holistic, and compassionate medical care delivered by an excellent provider team. The practice offers a range of clinical services including hospital consultations, office consultations and dialysis care. They also offer education, planning and management of renal replacement therapies and pre and post kidney transplant care.

Sunshine Kidney Care
352.388.5800
Ste 522 The Sharon Morse Medical Office Building
1400 US Hwy 441N, The Villages FL 32159