ABSTRACT
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is one of the most common genetic disorders, with an estimated incidence of 1 in 1000, accounting for 8-10% of all cases of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) (1-3). This disease is generally a late-onset disorder, manifesting in the fourth decade. A variety of studies have shown that in affected individuals the mean and median ages at renal failure occur between 51 and 60 years (4-6). The disease is primarily characterized by the progressive development and enlargement of fluid-filled cysts in the kidney. The development of renal failure is thought to result from the progressive enlargement of cysts that cause compression and loss of the normal renal parenchyma (fibrosis) and functioning nephrons (7,8).
