CLINICAL MANAGEMENT OF AUTOSOMAL-DOMINANT POLYCYSTIC KIDNEY-DISEASE

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a common syste mic genetic disease which comprises 8 to 10% of patients treated by di alysis and transplantation. Breakthroughs in molecular genetics and ce ll biology have led to new insights into cyst formation and growth. Un til the specific genetic defects are identified, the management of thi s disorder will necessarily be empiric. This paper discusses current m anagement strategies in ADPKD focusing on hypertension, hematuria, pai n and infection. Special considerations for management of end-stage re nal failure in patients with ADPKD are also reviewed.