Explore Urology & KidneyAutosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease
Comprehensive Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease Care
At UConn Health, our Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) service provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for individuals and families living with ADPKD. We partner with you throughout every stage of your journey—from diagnosis and monitoring to treatment and long-term kidney health.
Our goal is to help preserve kidney function, manage symptoms, reduce complications, and improve quality of life through personalized, evidence-based care. We help coordinate care with specialists when appropriate.
What is ADPKD?
Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease is one of the most common inherited kidney disorders, affecting approximately 1 in every 400–1,000 people.
In ADPKD, fluid-filled cysts gradually develop and enlarge within the kidneys. Over time, these cysts can increase the size of the kidneys and reduce their ability to function normally. While many people maintain good kidney function for decades, some eventually develop chronic kidney disease or kidney failure.
ADPKD is caused by changes (mutations) in genes that regulate kidney cell growth. Because it is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, a parent with ADPKD has a 50% chance of passing the condition on to each child.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. Some individuals have few symptoms for many years, while others experience complications earlier in life.
Common symptoms include:
- High blood pressure
- Pain in the back, side, or abdomen
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Kidney cyst infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Kidney stones
- Enlarging kidneys that may cause abdominal fullness or discomfort
- Declining kidney function over time
Some people are diagnosed after a family member is found to have ADPKD, even before symptoms develop.
Treatment
Although there is currently no cure for ADPKD, many treatments can help slow disease progression and reduce complications.
Your treatment plan may include:
Blood Pressure Control
Careful blood pressure management is one of the most important ways to protect kidney function.
Disease-Modifying Therapy
For many years, treatment for ADPKD focused primarily on managing complications such as high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease. Today, there are therapies that may slow the progression of kidney disease in selected patients. Your nephrologist will discuss whether these therapies are appropriate based on your age, kidney function, imaging findings, and risk of disease progression.
Kidney Replacement Therapy
For patients with advanced kidney disease, we provide education and planning for:
- Kidney transplantation
- Home dialysis
- In-center hemodialysis
Whenever possible, kidney transplantation is the preferred treatment for kidney failure due to ADPKD.
Lifestyle Measures
We work with patients on:
- Maintaining good hydration
- Following a kidney-healthy diet
- Limiting sodium intake
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Regular exercise
- Avoiding tobacco
- Managing cardiovascular risk factors
Management of Complications
Our team provides treatment for:
- Kidney pain
- Kidney cyst infections
- Kidney stones
- Blood in the urine
- High blood pressure
- Chronic kidney disease
Our Multidisciplinary Team
Because ADPKD can affect several organ systems, we work closely with specialists across multiple disciplines to provide coordinated care.
Depending on your needs, your care may include referrals to:
- Neurology for evaluating headaches or neurological symptoms, assessing stroke risk, and coordinating care for neurological complications.
- Neurosurgery for evaluating and managing intracranial aneurysms and counseling regarding screening and treatment options.
- Urology for treating kidney stones, complex kidney cysts, hematuria (blood in urine), urinary tract concerns, and surgical management when appropriate.
- Hepatology for evaluation and management of liver cysts, symptomatic polycystic liver disease, and advanced liver disease when present.
Family Screening and Genetic Counseling
Because ADPKD is inherited, family members may also be at risk. We offer guidance on family screening, genetic counseling and testing, and family planning and pregnancy counseling for women with ADPKD through our obstetrics and gynecology department.
Additional collaboration may include genetics, radiology, transplant surgery, cardiology, pain management, primary care, nutrition, and social work to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care.
Why Choose UConn Health for ADPKD Care?
We offer:
- Comprehensive evaluation by nephrology specialists with expertise in ADPKD
- Personalized treatment plans
- Access to the latest evidence-based therapies
- Coordinated multidisciplinary care
- Long-term monitoring of kidney health
- Education for patients and families
- Support throughout every stage of disease
We are committed to helping patients with ADPKD live healthier lives through early detection, expert management, and compassionate, coordinated care.
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