Cystic Kidney Disease - Causes, Symptoms, Complications, Diagnosis, and Treatment

What Is Cystic Kidney Disease?

Cystic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition that causes cysts (fluid-filled cavities) to form on the surface of the kidneys. The cysts around the kidneys can cause obstruction in the filtration of water and waste products from the blood. Cysts are non-cancerous in nature. If left untreated, CKD can lead to high blood pressure and kidney failure. The individual inherits this condition. The cysts tend to grow within the kidney in clusters. The cysts can grow in size and hinder the normal function of the kidneys. Greater the number of cysts, more the damage to the function. Polycystic kidney diseases can also cause cysts in other parts of the body, such as the liver. The severity and complications of CKD can be managed with lifestyle management and medication.

What Are the Causes of Cystic Kidney Diseases?

CKD occurs due to abnormalities in the genes of the affected individual. This means that the disease is inherited through familial ways. Genetic mutations can occur independently, or the defective gene can be passed on from either of the parents. The two main types of CKD include-

• Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD): This condition develops between the age of 30 to 40 years. It is also referred to as adult cystic kidney disease. It can be passed on to the affected individual if either of the parents is affected.

• Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease (ARPKD): This type of CKD is a little less common when compared to the other type. This condition most commonly manifests during the later stages of childhood or adolescence. For this condition to occur, both parents must be affected by this condition.

What Are the Symptoms of Cystic Kidney Disease?

The following are some of the symptoms of cystic kidney disease:

1. The pain can be felt in the back or on both sides.

2. Pain while passing urine.

3. Difficulty in producing urine.

4. Kidneys can appear enlarged. Enlargement of the kidneys can also appear as kidney mass.

5. Frequent and recurrent headaches.

6. High blood pressure.

7. Blood in the urine.

8. Kidney stones.

9. Kidney infections.

10. Bleeding or bursting of the cysts.

What Are the Complications of Cystic Kidney Diseases?

The following are the complications of cystic kidney disease:

1. Decreased Kidney Function: Loss of kidney function is one of the most common complications of cystic kidney disease. The loss of function happens in a progressive fashion. This loss of function eventually leads to kidney failure. This condition can disrupt the capacity of the kidneys to hold back from working to harmful levels, causing a condition called uremia. This requires continuous kidney dialysis or a transplant.

2. High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is a typical complexity of polycystic kidney infection. Untreated, hypertension can further harm the kidneys and has higher chances of stroke and other conditions.

3. Liver Cysts: The probability of developing liver cysts for somebody with polycystic kidneys is higher with age. Women are at a greater risk of this condition; this could be caused due to hormonal imbalance and also pregnancy.

4. Brain Aneurysm: An inflatable-like lump in a vein (aneurysm) in the brain can cause bleeding if it breaks. Individuals with CKD have a higher risk of aneurysms. Individuals with a family history of aneurysms are at a greater risk. The doctor may assess a person's risk for developing an aneurysm and run the appropriate tests.

5. Complications in Pregnancy: If women with CKD conceive, they are at a greater risk of developing a condition called preeclampsia. This may lead to higher blood pressure during pregnancy and childbirth.

6. Problems in the Colon: There could be problems in the colon in patients with CKD. There could be pouches or sacs formed due to the weakness of the intestinal walls.

7. Mitral Prolapse: Mitral prolapse is the weakening of the valves of the heart. Many patients with CKD have a higher risk of mitral prolapse. In this condition, the mitral valve does not close properly, and it falls back.

How Is Cystic Kidney Disease Diagnosed?

The doctor may evaluate a person’s clinical and medical history to arrive at a diagnosis. Along with that, various tests can be performed as an adjunct to the medical history to arrive at a diagnosis. The various tests that can be performed to diagnose cystic kidney disease include:

1. Kidney Ultrasound: Sonography of the kidney or renal ultrasound can be performed to diagnose the cysts in the kidney. Sonography uses sound waves to form a picture of hollow organs. The sound waves hit an organ and return back to the transducer at a different frequency. This is interpreted by specialized computer software, and an image of the organ is formed. Ultrasound of the kidney is very pivotal in diagnosing CKD.

2. CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: CT scan is performed when the cross-section of an organ is required for diagnosing various conditions. CT scan is performed in the case of CKD to look for the presence of cysts at various levels.

3. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Scan: An MRI is useful in diagnosing various conditions that involve soft tissues.

4. Blood and Urine Analysis: Blood and urine analysis is performed to analyze the levels of various salts and chemicals in the body. It is essential to know about the functioning of the liver and kidney.

How Is Cystic Kidney Disease Treated?

Cystic kidney disease is a manageable condition. When given appropriate treatment, this disease is known to have a good prognosis. Cysts that are not very complex do not need any treatment as such and mostly can be managed by the wait-and-watch method. The doctor may perform sonography at an appropriate interval to evaluate the patient. The doctor will recommend certain dietary restrictions for a better prognosis. If the cysts are painful and symptomatic, the doctor may consider draining them or even surgically removing them. If the conditions are more complex, then the following treatments can be considered:

• Lifestyle modifications such as reducing salt intake and consuming a balanced diet.

• Medical control of high blood pressure.

• If the CKD has progressed to renal failure, dialysis is performed to maintain the functioning of the kidneys.

• Kidney transplantation is a last resort of treatment.

Conclusion

CKD is a condition that affects the kidneys. In this condition, multiple small cysts are present that can cause various symptoms such as lower back pain, hypertension, and even renal failure. When diagnosed early in the disease, this condition can be managed more effectively.