The genetic disorder that replaces normal kidney tissue with multiple fluidfilled cysts is called polycystic kidney disease (PKD). This disease affects kidney function by decreasing the number of functioning filters available. PKD is the 4th leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which could progress to the complete loss of kidney function, also known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Symptoms of polycystic kidney disease could include:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Hematuria (blood in the urine)
• Pain in the back and/or side
• Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI’s)