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PKD is an abbreviation for POLYCYSTIC KIDNEY DISEASE, an inherited range of diseases which are a common cause of kidney failure.

PKD is present in two forms:

ADPKD - AUTOSOMAL DOMINANT POLYCYSTIC KIDNEY DISEASE, the world’s most common inherited life-threatening condition, in which fluid-filled cysts develop in both kidneys. Between 1 in 800 and 1 in 1000 people worldwide suffer from ADPKD. Over half of those affected will have kidney failure by the time they are 60 years old. If someone has ADPKD, there is a 50% likelihood that the disease will pass to each child.

Read more about ADPKD.


ARPKD - AUTOSOMAL RECESSIVE POLYCYSTIC KIDNEY DISEASE occurs in children and results in enlarged kidneys with or without cysts, liver enlargement and often high blood pressure.  In ARPKD, sadly, 30% to 50% of ARPKD infants die at birth or shortly thereafter, primarily as the result of underdeveloped lungs.

Read more about ARPKD.