Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) causes numerous cysts to grow in the kidneys. If too many cysts grow or if they get too big, kidney function can be affected. Most people do not develop symptoms until they are 30 to 40 years old and sometimes symptoms can be so mild as to go undiagnosed. There is also a rare form of PKD, called autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease, which affects newborns, infants, and children and can be fatal in the first month of life. There is currently no cure, but PKD can be managed with monitoring and medical intervention.

About 90% of PKD cases are caused by an inherited gene. In the U.S., about 600,000 people have PKD.

The above information was compiled from sources including the Mount Sinai Health Library, PKD Foundation and National Kidney Foundation. To find a genetic counselor in your area, visit http://www.knowyourgenes.org