03 - Nefrologia 21-4 - Editorial Therapeutic Advances

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is one of the most common hereditary diseases in humans, accounting for almost 5-10% of subjects on renal replacement therapies1. Although clinical symptoms occur most frequently in adult life, the hereditary nature of PKD has permitted the screening of first degree relatives and therefore to reach a diagnosis in early adulthood. That said, early diagnosis per se does not contribute to halting the progressive nature of the renal failure as no specific therapies are available as of yet. To date, therapeutic interventions in PKD are based on blood pressure control, protein restriction, avoidance of nephrotoxics and other nephroprotective measures. Although not specifically directed to PKD patients these interventions have contributed to better outcomes in recent years2. As cardiovascular disease is the most important cause of death in PKD and hypertension is the main risk factor for cardiovascular events, early diagnosis is required to screen for hypertension and this may contribute to reducing the rate of cardiovascular events in this population3.