Polycystic kidney disease

More about the book

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is one of the most frequent and expensive genetic diseases. Based on an international workshop, this volume brings together the findings of research groups working in close collaboration on PKD. A number of papers review experimental models of cystic kidney disease and scrutinize the relevance of these models for autosomal dominant PKD, the most common form of human PKD. Further papers discuss the early treatment of hypertension and low-protein diets as potential methods to delay the progression of chronic renal failure. Focus is also placed on the progress of genetic studies towards isolation of the PKD1 gene on chromosome 16. An extensive study to assess the extent of genetic heterogeneity of autosomal dominant PKD in Europe is reported. This data is of prime importance for the use of DNA markers for early diagnosis of PKD. A computer program for quick drawing of pedigrees and analysis of linkage is described.