Polycystic kidney disease, also known as PKD, is a common inherited genetic disorder that causes cysts to grow in the tissues of both kidneys. The kidneys are a major organ of the excretory system; they remove waste from blood and urine. They filter the blood, keeping it clean of all waste, and also perform a number of other functions. Due to the growth of cysts on the kidneys, it is difficult to perform these functions and this will eventually lead to kidney failure. This article will discuss what PKD is, the many symptoms and treatments for PKD, as well as recent developments in research into this disease.Polycystic Kidney DiseaseDescription and EffectsPolycystic kidney disease, often called PKD, is a disease genetics passed down from generation to generation and involving kidney cysts, usually without abnormality. The kidneys are located in the upper abdomen, towards the back, and are about the size of a fist. They filter waste and unnecessary fluids from the blood and form urine. When cysts form in or on the kidneys, they fill with fluid and grow larger. Enlargement of the kidneys will lead to decreased function and eventually kidney failure. There are two main forms of PKD, autosomal dominant (PKD) and autosomal recessive (ARPKD). Both of these phenomena can involve the presence of kidney cysts at any time in an affected person's life, from prenatal stages to adulthood. Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is the most common inherited kidney disease. This type is passed from parent to child through an autosomal dominant type of inheritance. This means that only one copy of the abnormal gene is needed to cause the disease. Therefore, if we p...... middle of paper ......ra period of time, such as blood pressure and quality of life, in order to better understand the course of the disease. No medications are administered, but other types of interventions are performed during the study period. Interventional studies also monitor and record various factors over a period of time while testing experimental treatments, devices, or drug combinations to see if disease outcomes are changed. Works Cited Mayo Clinic Staff, “Polycystic Kidney Disease.” 2011. Retrieved March 4, 2011, from MayoClinic: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/polycystic-kidney-disease/DS00245Polycystic Kidney Disease. 2009. Retrieved March 4, 2011 from Pub Med Health: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001531Roser, T MD, PhD, “Polycystic Kidney Disease.” 2010. Retrieved March 4, 2011 from emedicine: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/244907-diagnosis