Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)

Inherited disorder in which fluid filled cysts develop in nephrons

Cyst develop in the nephron usually as a result of abnormal kidney cell division

growing cyst damage the glomerular and tubular membranes

cysts fill with fluid and enlarge, the nephrom and kidney function become less effective

Kidney may elarge to two ot three times its normal size and displace other abdominal organs causing discomfort or pain


May lead to cerebral anyurism (outpouching in the artery wall)

• secondary to PKD:
• the anyurism may rupture
• kidney stones may occur
• heart valve roblems
• left ventricular hypertrophy
• colonic diverticula

Priority goal is to prevent further kidney damage by controling the B/P

• abdominal or flank
• hypertension
• nocturia
• increased abdominal girth constipation
• bloody or cloudy urine
• kidney stones

• Does the patient have other family members with PKD
• condtipation
• abdominal discomfort
• change in urine color or frequency
• high blood pressure
• headache
• family hx from sudden death of stroke