Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Support Group
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a progressive, genetic disorder of the kidneys. It occurs in humans and other organisms. PKD is characterised by the presence of multiple cysts (polycystic) in both kidneys. The disease can also damage the liver, pancreas and rarely the heart and brain.
Hi everyone, I've been in this group for five years now ever since I was diagnosed. I read all the posts and feel like I know you even though I hardly ever post myself. I'm inspired by all of you. I have a question I hope you can answer. I went to my neph yesterday and asked him why diuretics are bad for people with PKD. He said that one study was done that showed they could possibly be bad for PKD kidneys. I was on Hydrochlorothiazide for several years and he took me off of it when I told him about the comments from this group but he's never been able to tell me why they are bad for our kidneys. I'm on Lisinopril and the combination of that plus the Hydrochlorothiazide really kept my BP consistently low. I just wanted to know if they could further damage my kidneys. Thanks for any information
prepare food yourself without salt, read labels, avoid processed foods such as coldcuts, frozen dinners etc.
There was a study some years ago which compared use of diuretics vs. Ace inhibitors to treat BP in PKD sufferers. The results showed that the rate of decline in kidney function in the diuretics group was significantly faster that in the other group. PKD involves a urine concentrating defect and diuretics cause the body to lose yet more water. This can lead to hypovolemia (reduced blood volume), which in extreme cases can be fatal. Diuretics are therefore not the drug of first choice to treat BP in those with PKD. They can still have a place for some but need to be used with great caution.
Chewitt
Glad to be of help. I used to be in a profession allied to medicine but that was years ago. I like to know about the issues that affect us and will do research online if I want to find out more. Quite a lot of information is freely available, but can be difficult to plough through and understand if you don't have any prior medical grounding. It's still just as helpful to know about others' personal experiences and have their support, too, which is where this group is invaluable.
Chewitt