Complications|
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Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney
disease (ADPKD) can sometimes lead to potentially serious complications in
other parts of the body besides the kidneys.
Complications associated with polycystic
kidney disease include:
Liver cysts
Many people with ADPKD develop cysts in
other organs, as well as in their liver. Cysts that develop in the liver don't
usually disrupt normal liver function, but they can sometimes become infected
and/or cause symptoms such as:
Abdominal (tummy) pain
Abdominal swelling and bloating
In rare cases, jaundice (yellowing of the
skin and whites of the eyes from liver damage)
High blood pressure.
Elevated blood pressure is a common
complication of polycystic kidney disease. Untreated, high blood pressure can
cause further damage to your kidneys and increase your risk of heart disease
and stroke.
Loss of kidney function.
Progressive loss of kidney function is one
of the most serious complications of polycystic kidney disease. Nearly half of
those with the disease have kidney failure by age 60.
Polycystic kidney disease can interfere
with the ability of your kidneys to keep wastes from building to toxic levels,
a condition called uremia. As the disease worsens, end-stage kidney (renal)
failure may result, necessitating ongoing kidney dialysis or a transplant to
prolong your life.
Pregnancy complications.
Pregnancy is successful for most women with
polycystic kidney disease. In some cases, however, women may develop a
life-threatening disorder called preeclampsia. Those most at risk are women who
have high blood pressure before they become pregnant.
Aneurysm in the brain.
A balloon-like bulge in a blood vessel
(aneurysm) in your brain can cause bleeding (hemorrhage) if it ruptures. People
with polycystic kidney disease have a higher risk of aneurysm, especially those
younger than age 50. The risk is higher if you have a family history of
aneurysm or if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Heart valve abnormalities.
As
many as one in four adults with polycystic kidney disease develop mitral valve
prolapse. When this happens, the valve no longer closes properly, which allows
blood to leak backward.
Colon problems.
Weaknesses and pouches or sacs in the wall
of the colon (diverticulosis) may develop in people with polycystic kidney
disease.
