Complications of Polycystic Kidney Disease

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) includes two types: genetic PKD and less common caused by gene mutation. In most cases, the patients do not have any symptoms until their adulthood. However, as the cysts enlarge, they will damage the renal function thus causing a series of complications. Therefore, it is very important for patients with PKD to treat the disease as early as possible. The following content mainly describes the main symptoms of PKD.

1. Kidney Stones.

As many as 20~30 of patients with PKD have Kidney Stones and approximately 50% are composed of uric acid. As the renal function is damaged, the waste in body can not be discharged out of body normally. The accumulation of oxalic acid is the main cause of Kidney Stones. When patients eat much food such as bean products, grapes, potatoes and oranges and so on, the extra oxalic acid can not be discharged out of body thus causing Kidney Stones. Moreover, the forming of Kidney Stones is affected by metabolic disorder of purine. If patients with PKD have too much food that contains purine, they will produce much metabolin uric acid that can make oxalate deposite in urine. Experts from Shijiazhuang Kidney Disease Hospital remind all of patients with PKD that a larger fluid intake is recommended for the patients.

2. Heart Enlargement

As the cysts enlarge, they will oppress the neighboring kidney tissues, which can cause them to secrete more rennin thus causing Hypertension. If their blood pressure increases continuously, it will cause Heart Enlargement. Therefore, it is very necessary for patients to test their blood pressure closely so as to prevent heart disease.

3. Urinary Tract Infection.

Urinary Tract Infection is a common complication of PKD and is the first complication for about 20% of patients. About 50%~70% of patients will have more than once Urinary Tract Infection in their whole life, especially in the women with PKD. If the patients have infection, they should prolong the time of using antibiotics properly under the guidance of their doctors.


In order to prevent the complications of PKD, it is very important for patients to receive treatment as early as possible. Moreover, they should pay more attention to theirdaily habits. If so, they will be able to decline the incidence of complications sharply.