Understanding Polycystic Kidney Disease

By Neetu Malhotra, MD

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) means that the kidneys have become damaged. The common causes of CKD are diabetes mellitus, hypertension, inherited diseases, and nephritis.

Polycystic kidney disease is the fourth leading cause of kidney failure and 600,000 people in the United State have the disorder. Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) affects the kidneys with cysts that grow and are filled with fluid. These cysts can damage the kidneys, and essentially take over the kidney’ ability to work properly, especially if there are numerous cysts growing at one time. These cysts can severely reduce kidney function.

Poly cystic kidney disease can also affect other organs in the body including the spleen, ovaries, liver, pancreas, bowels, brain, and heart. Most people don’t develop PKD until middle age, and the symptoms can range from mild to severe.

The primary symptoms of PKD are as follows:
• High blood pressure
• Back or side pain
• Swollen abdomen
• Blood in the urine
• Frequent bladder and/or kidney infections
• Fluttering or pounding chest
• Chest pain
• Headaches

50 to 60 percent of individuals with PKD will develop kidney failure.

PKD Treatment
Individuals with PKD will need dialysis and possible a kidney transplant. There are also medications that can help treat the disorder and certain diets that will help to prevent the growth of the cysts, which can stop the progression of the disease. PKD can be genetic, so it’s best to speak to your physician about your children’s health or any planned pregnancies.

How Can the Progression of Kidney Disease Be Delayed?
1. Keeping blood pressure under 130/80 or if you have diabetes or protein in the urine, under 125/75.
2. Taking certain types of medications called ACE-Inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers.
3. If you are diabetic, keeping blood sugars tightly controlled (HbA1c less than 7.0).
4. Avoiding medications that harm your kidneys such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. (NSAIDs). Examples are Motrin, ibuprofen, Aleve, Advil,
Naprosyn. A Cox-2 inhibitor called Celebrex is also harmful.
5. Avoiding, if possible, IV contrast dye used for CT scans and heart catheterizations and gadolinium used in MRIs.
6. Controlling your cholesterol.
7. Quit smoking.
8. If overweight, losing weight.
9. Treating anemia if present.
10. Avoiding Fleet phospho-soda (oral) and Fleet enemas for patients in Stage 4 and 5 chronic kidney disease.

Associates in Nephrology
Associates in Nephrology has been providing comprehensive kidney care and transplant services in Southwest Florida since 1984. Our team of nephrologists, nurse practitioners, and medical assistants are engaged in all aspects of providing the most advanced services for kidney disease and kidney transplants.

Chronic Kidney Disease Program
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) means that the kidneys have become damaged. The common causes of CKD are diabetes mellitus, hypertension, inherited diseases, and nephritis.

The purpose of the CKD program is to slow the progression of damage to the kidneys and treat associated complications such as hypertension, anemia, and bone disease. If we are unable to arrest the disease process and the kidney damage progresses to end stage renal disease (ESRD), our plan is to manage these complications while preparing patients for renal (kidney) replacement therapy. This therapy can consist of peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis, home hemodialysis, or kidney transplantation.

Managing these complications and preparing patients for renal replacement therapy is a complex process of visits, treatment, and teaching sessions. Our medical team consists of nephrologists (kidney doctors), nurse practitioners, registered dieticians, nurses, and medical assistants.

Services Provided
Associates in Nephrology provides treatment for many kidney related conditions, as well as kidney transplant services.
• All forms of Dialysis – Hemodialysis and Peritoneal
• Diabetic Kidney Disorder
• Dietitian Services for Kidney Patients
• Disorders of Blood Chemistry
• Electrolyte Disorders
• Fluid Overload, Edema (swelling)
• Glomerulonephritis
• Hypertension
• Injections of Aranesp for Anemia related to Kidney Disease
• Kidney Transplant Services: Patient and Donor Evaluations, Post-Transplant Follow-up Care
• Lupus Nephritis
• Nephrotic Syndrome
• Pyelonephritis
• Polycystic Kidney Disease
• Recurring kidney stones
• Renal Failure
• Renal Insufficiency

We work collaboratively with a patient’s primary care physician and specialists to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and prevent or manage complications such as hypertension, anemia, and bone disease. Additionally, our multidisciplinary team of professionals can assist you in arranging a wide array of supportive services and educations programs for patients in all stages of CKD. For patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), our nephrologists can prepare them for all renal replacement therapies: in-center or home hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplant.

Associates In Nephrology
239-939-0999
www.associatesnephrology.com

BONITA SPRINGS
9550 Bonita Beach Rd, 108
BONITA SPRINGS, FL 34134

FORT MYERS
7981 Gladiolus Dr
FORT MYERS, FL 33908

CAPE CORAL
1320 SE 8th St
CAPE CORAL, FL 33990