Polycystic kidney disease

Abstract

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common inherited renal disorder and monogenic cause of hypertension. ADPKD should be considered in any patient presenting with bilateral renal cysts particularly if there is associated hypertension. Although treatment is still mainly supportive (particularly during the progression of chronic kidney disease), some clinically useful treatments may be emerging from research on the molecular biology of ADPKD. The practical management of patients with this disorder can be challenging and often involves a coordinated multidisciplinary team approach to the medical and surgical complications associated with ADPKD. This chapter will briefly outline the current understanding of ADPKD and consider some of the practical dilemmas faced when caring for these patients.