Previous Section
Diagnosis of Polycystic Kidney Disease
End Stage Renal Disease
More than 60% of patients with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) develop end stage renal disease (ESRD), also known as kidney failure by age 70. Progression is usually gradual. In ESRD, the kidneys no longer remove waste and excess water nor do they balance electrolytes and acids in the blood.
Symptoms of ESRD include:
- Reduced energy
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea/vomiting
- Weight loss
- Mild-moderate depression
- Metal taste in the mouth
- Reduced ability to think problems through to resolution
Risk factors for developing ESRD include:
- Being male
- Patients with ADPKD
- Patients with hypertension
- Patients with hematuria or protein in their urine
- Women with hypertension who have had 3 or more pregnancies
