Quick guide:  

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common inherited kidney disease. This condition causes many fluid-filled sacs (called cysts) to form in the kidneys. There are new medicines that can help with this disease.

What you need to know:  

In PKD, the cysts grow slowly and replace the healthy kidney tissue. This makes it harder for the kidneys to filter your blood and remove toxins and wastes. This condition affects men and women in equal numbers, and the cysts can appear at any age. 

Early on, you may have no symptoms of ADPKD. As more cysts grow and your kidney function gets worse, you may notice: 

• High blood pressure 

• Pain in the back and tummy area 

• Urinary tract infections 

• Kidney stones  

Walkthrough: Treatments for PKD 

Medicines, a healthy lifestyle, and good blood pressure control can all help with ADPKD. Your doctor may prescribe medicines to lower your blood pressure, which can help protect your kidney.  

Unfortunately, there is no cure of ADPKD yet, but there is a new medicine available to help slow the disease. Tolvaptan has been shown to slow down the cysts from growing and delay progression of kidney disease. Ask your nephrologist if this medicine is right for you.  

Some healthy habits to support your kidneys when you have ADPKD include: 

• • Reduce the salt. Avoid highly processed foods and do not add salt when cooking.  

• • Get enough exercise. Aim for 150-300 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise. 

• • Eat a healthy diet. Choose whole foods and plenty of fruit and vegetables.  

• • Stop smoking or vaping. Call the Quitline at 13 78 48 for help. 

• • Drink water instead. Make water your drink of choice over sugary drinks.  

Support: 

• Need more help? Join Kidney Health 4 Life and review courses on living with CKD. 

• Still have questions? Call the Kidney Health 4 Life team: 1800 454 363 (Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm AEST).  

Key takeaways 

• ADPKD is a genetic disease where cysts grow in the kidneys. It is a common cause of chronic kidney disease.  

• The treatments for PKD include good blood pressure control, new medicines to slow down cysts, and a healthy lifestyle. 

What’s next: 

• Find out ways to take care of your health and wellbeing with kidney disease: Wellbeing Centre | Kidney Health 4 Life 

• Download our Factsheet “Polycystic kidney disease”  (https://kidney.org.au/resources/factsheets-and-photosheets/polycystic-kidney-disease-factsheet/ ) 

Sources: Sources 

https://pkdaustralia.org/ 

Polycystic kidney disease factsheet