ADPKD: Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is one of the most common, life-threatening genetic diseases, affecting 600,000 Americans and 12.5 million people, worldwide. ADPKD affects more people than Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy and sickle cell anemia combined.

ADPKD causes fluid-filled cysts to grow on the kidneys. Over time, these cysts multiply and grow, causing kidney failure in 50 percent of cases. Dialysis and transplantation are the only treatments for kidney failure. There is no treatment or cure for PKD.

ADPKD affects 1 in 500 newborns, children and adults regardless of sex, age, race or ethnic origin. It does not skip a generation. Parents with ADPKD have a 50 percent chance of passing the disease on to each of their children.

Common symptoms of ADPKD include high blood pressure, pain in the back, side or stomach, blood in the urine, kidney stones, frequent urinary tract infections, a family history of kidney problems, heart problems or strokes. Anyone experiencing one or more of these symptoms should see a doctor.

Learn more:

Download "What Every Patient Needs to Know" (PDF) presentation from the 2007 National Convention on PKD.

Read ADPKD Questions & Answers.

Download PKD information in 16 languages.