Volume Progression in Polycystic Kidney Disease

Abstract

Background Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is characterized by progressive enlargement of cyst-filled kidneys. Methods In a three-year study, we measured the rates of change in total kidney volume, total cyst volume, and iothalamate clearance in patients with ADPKD. Of a total of 241 patients, in 232 patients without azotemia who were 15 to 46 years old at baseline we used magnetic-resonance imaging to correlate the total kidney volume and total cyst volume with iothalamate clearance. Statistical methods included analysis of variance, Pearson correlation, and multivariate regression analysis. Results Total kidney volume and total cyst volume increased exponentially, a result consistent with an expansion process dependent on growth. The mean (±SD) total kidney volume was 1060±642 ml at baseline and increased by a mean of 204±246 ml (5.27±3.92 percent per year, P<0.001) over a three-year period among 214 patients. Total cyst volume increased by 218±263 ml (P<0.001) during the same perio...