A deadly disease targets Indians

Polycystic kidney disease runs in many Indian families

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) or Inherited Kidney Disease is common to all races and occurs evenly in men and women.

Children of parents with PKD have 50% chance of inheriting the disease.

This is a life-threatening Genetic disease that runs in many Indian families around the world. According to an estimate, more than 12.5 million people are affected.

PKD causes numerous cysts filled with fluids to grow in the kidneys. Cysts in large numbers and size can damage the kidneys. PKD cysts can slowly replace much of the kidneys, reducing kidney function, leading to kidney failure.

Two forms of PKD have been identified; they are Autosomal Dominant (ADPKD) and Autosomal Recessive (ARPKD).

ADPKD is an inherited and accounts for about 90% of all polycystic kidney disease cases. If one parent has the disease, the chance of a child contracting it rises to 50%

ARPKD, although inherited, is less common. Both parents must carry the abnormal gene, with the chance of a child inheriting it placed at 25%. An ultrasound can reveal cysts in the kidneys of the foetus, while still in the womb. Ultrasound imaging has no side effects and is safe for everyone, including pregnant women.

Common Symptoms

The most common symptoms of PKD are high blood pressure, back or side pain, increase in abdomen size, blood in the urine and frequent bladder or kidney infections.

Some people may not have any of these symptoms and can live their entire life without knowing about their affliction. Even blood and urine tests may not be useful.

Ultrasound is the most commonly used method to detect ADPKD in the initial stages.

Sound waves pass harmlessly through the kidneys and create a picture for examination. A doctor will be able to see the cysts if they are large enough to warrant further action.

Computed Tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are also used in diagnosis. CT uses radiation (X-Ray) and often requires injecting a dye for better viewing.

Preventing PKD

There is currently no cure for PKD but treatment can reduce or prevent some of the complications and prolong the person’s lifespan.

People affected by the disease should not have children.

But this advice is more easily given than accepted, especially by people who believe that a child is a God given gift, which should not be refused. Such sentiment runs high in India, and hence the problem of controlling the disease continues unabated.

High blood pressure is the most common sign of polycystic disease. Some people may develop headache related to high blood pressure, while in some cases, high blood pressure may be detected during a routine medical examination.

High blood pressure is common among Indians and hence if not detected and treated on time, the affected person may run the risk of kidney failure.

My aim is to reduce the incidence of chronic kidney disease in the community 

Baskar Reddy is employed as a Haemodialysis Technologist in the Renal Department at the Auckland City Hospital. He will be writing a regular column in Indian Newslink on critical health issues. He wishes to acknowledge the support extended by Waitamata District Health Board Chief Medical Officer Dr Johan Rosman and Kidney Health New Zealand Education Manager Carmel Gregan for the research involved in writing the above article.

Email: baskarlr@adhb.govt.nz