Condition: Polycystic Kidney Disease, Autosomal Recessive

Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the formation of fluid-filled sacs (cysts) in the kidneys. Most affected infants have enlarged kidneys during the newborn (neonatal) period and some cases may be fatal at this time. ARPKD is not simply a kidney disease and additional organ systems of the body may also be affected, especially the liver. High blood pressure (hypertension), excessive thirst, frequent urination and feeding difficulties may also occur. Some affected children may also have distinctive facial features and incomplete development of the lungs (pulmonary hypoplasia) causing breathing (respiratory) difficulties. The severity of the disorder and the specific symptoms that occur can vary greatly from one person to another. Some affected children eventually develop end-stage renal disease sometime during the first decade of life. In some cases, symptoms do not develop until adolescence or even adulthood. ARPKD is caused by mutations of the PKHD1 gene.