WORLDWIDE PKD CLINICS LIST NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE

PKD Foundation aims to connect 12.5 million patients with doctors who know this disease.

(Kansas City) October 15, 2007 — With the click of a mouse, 12.5 million patients living with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) can now find physicians in their area, who know about PKD. The PKD Foundation website, www.pkdcure.org, now includes a listing of 17 PKD Clinics in the United States and 6 International Clinics.

PKD is one of the most common, life-threatening, genetic diseases, affecting 600,000 Americans and 12.5 million people worldwide. PKD causes cysts to form throughout the kidneys. Eventually the kidneys fail. Dialysis and transplantation are the only treatments for kidney failure. There is no cure for PKD.

"This resource is designed to provide help and hope to the 12.5 million patients, worldwide, living with Polycystic Kidney Disease, (PKD)” said Lorrie Rome, National Director of Scientific Programs for the PKD Foundation. “While it is not intended to be a recommendation of any specific medical professional or facility, it is an informational guide,” she added. “Our goal is to help PKD patients find doctors with a working knowledge of this devastating disease.”

Clinics qualify for listing on the PKD Foundation website if at least one staff doctor is knowledgeable about polycystic kidney disease. Each listing contains contact information and service availability, such as genetic counseling & dialysis treatment.
The not-for-profit PKD Foundation leads the fight against PKD through research funding and patient education. For more information about PKD and the PKD Foundation, visit www.pkdcure.org or call 1-800-PKD-CURE.