PKD - Polycystic Kidney Disease
Polycystic Kidney Disease is one of the most common genetic, life-threatening diseases affecting more than 6,000 Americans and an estimated 12.5 million people worldwide--regardless of age, sex, race, or ethnic origin. In fact, PKD affects more people than Cystic Fibrosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Hemophilia, Down Syndrome, and Sickle Cell Anemia combined.
Polycystic means "multiple cysts." In effect, PKD denotes multiple cysts on each kidney. These cysts grow and multiply over time, also causing the mass of the kidney to increase. Ultimately, the diseased kidney shuts down causing end-stage renal disease for which dialysis and transplantations are the only form of treatment.
PKD comes in two forms. Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common, affecting 1-in-400 to 1-in-500 adults. Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is far less common, affecting 1-in-10,000 at a far younger age, including newborns, infants, and children.
For more information, please visit www.pkdcure.org