Beyond Loss of Kidney Function: Patient Care in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease

Abstract

Patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease benefit from specialized care over their lifetimes, starting with diagnosis of the condition with ongoing discussion of both the renal course and extra-renal issues. Both renal and extra-renal issues may continue to cause major morbidity even after successful kidney transplant or initiation of RRT, and extra-renal disease aspects should always be considered as part of routine management. In this review, we will focus on updates in pain/depression screening, cardiac manifestations, liver and pancreatic cysts, kidney stone management, and genetic counseling. In some instances, we have shared our current clinical practice rather than an evidence-based guideline. We anticipate more standardization of care after the release of the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes guidelines for management in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease later this year.