Polycystic kidney disease

Polycystic kidney disease is a common genetic condition that causes fluid-filled sacs, called cysts, to grow within the kidneys.

What is polycystic kidney disease?

The cysts that form in the kidneys from polycystic kidney disease (PKD) can become quite large and numerous, eventually causing the kidneys to become deformed. This results in damage to the kidneys making them unable to perform their bodily function efficiently and can eventually advance to kidney failure.

Read more about PKD   

Key statistics

90%

90%

90% of cases are inherited

1 in 500

1 in 500

APKD affects approx. 1 in 500-1000 people.

Genetics

Genetics

It's caused by mutations in the PKD1 and PKD2 genes

Kidney disease research at Garvan

We look at different genetic testing techniques for early diagnosis of autosomal dominant PKD (ADPKD). We're researching the use of whole genome sequencing which can provide a more accurate and cost-effective result, paving the way for earlier diagnosis and intervention.

Read more about our research