Autosomal Dominant Form of Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) is an inherited disease that causes an irreversible decline in kidney function with the majority of individuals eventually requiring dialysis and or transplantation. The problem is related to an abnormal gene that allows for the formation of fluid-filled cysts throughout the kidney (and liver in most cases). These cysts can grow very large and squeeze the normal kidney tissue in between damaging it which causes the decrease in kidney function. On occasion, there may be spontaneous bleeding into a cyst which can cause pain and may become infected. Because the cysts are so numerous and enlarged, the kidneys may grow to enormous size causing discomfort and making them very susceptible to damage by any trauma to the abdominal area. Most patients start to show decline in kidney function by the fourth decade. High blood pressure, male sex, kidney size, and the type of gene defect involved can all increase the rate of progression of kidney disease.
Polycystic kidney disease medical expert witness specialties include nephology, renal pathology, urology, (medical) genetics, and transplant surgery.