Polycystic Kidney Disease »
What is Polycystic Kidney Disease?
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts in the kidneys. The kidneys are two organs, each about the size of a fist, located in the upper part of a person's abdomen, toward the back. The kidneys filter wastes and extra fluid from the blood to form urine. They also regulate amounts of certain vital substances in the body. When cysts form in the kidneys, they are filled with fluid. PKD cysts can profoundly enlarge the kidneys while replacing much of the normal structure, resulting in reduced kidney function and leading to
kidney failure.
When PKD causes kidneys to fail-which usually happens after many years-the patient requires dialysis or kidney transplantation. About one-half of people with the most common type of PKD progress to kidney failure, also called end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
PKD can also cause cysts in the liver and problems in other organs, ...
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I am 28 years old and have been drinking heavily for approx. 12 years. I wet the bed fairly often involuntarily after having drank heavily, and the other morning I woke to discover noticeable blood in my urine. What could cause this? I have no money, no job, and can't afford to have it checked out right now. Could it be effects of drinking for years, like a kidney or liver problem? Other than my drinking problem, I consider myself healthy, with very rare illness. Published: July 07 ::