Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
Overview
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is an inherited condition that causes small fluid-filled sacs called cysts to develop in the kidneys.
Causes
ADPKD is caused by a genetic fault that disrupts the normal development of some of the cells in the kidneys and causes cysts to grow. Faults in 1 of 2 different genes are known to cause ADPKD. The affected genes are: PKD1, which accounts for around 78% of casesPKD2, which accounts for around 15% of cases Both types of ADPKD have the same symptoms, but they tend to be more severe in PKD1. A child has a 1 in 2 (50%) chance of developing ADPKD if one of their parents has the faulty PKD1 or PKD2 gene. Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD)is a rarer type of kidney disease that can only be inherited if both parents carry the faulty gene. In this type problems usually start much earlier, during childhood.