Journal Articles Explore Hypertension, PKD

Taylor M. Johnson and colleagues from the University of Colorado report in the September issue of the American Journal of Kidney Diseases that individuals born between 1951 and 1974 were diagnosed with ADPKD at an earlier age than a group born before 1951. The article said that while it was unclear whether earlier diagnosis in the younger group reflected a greater understanding of the genetic nature of ADPKD or the more widespread utilization of kidney ultrasound, the earlier detection of ADPKD could lead potentially to the earlier introduction of treatment for high blood pressure. Earlier and better treatment of hypertension could decrease the long-term negative effects of high blood pressure on the heart and kidneys, the article said.

In an accompanying editorial, Dr. Ronald Perrone, Vice-chair of the PKD Foundation's Scientific Advisory Committee and a Professor of Medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine, and his colleague, Dr. Dana C. Miskulin, an Assistant Professor of Medicine, pointed out that fear of establishing a "pre-existing condition" for insurance purposes could prevent at-risk individuals from seeking appropriate medical care. Such delays in seeking appropriate medical care could lead to delayed implementation of treatment for high blood pressure and could also prevent the entry of affected individuals into new clinical studies, they said in their editorial. The editorial “Hypertension in Individuals at Risk for Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: To Screen or Not to Screen?” - advocated passage of legislation that would bar genetic discrimination.