What Are the Stages of ADPKD?

The stages of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) are as follows:

Stage 1: Initial and Silent Stage:

- Kidneys are enlarged but have normal function

- No symptoms are usually experienced

Stage 2: Compensatory Hypertrophy:

- Kidneys continue to grow

- Increased function of remaining healthy kidney tissue to compensate

- Some people experience mild symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, and flank pain

Stage 3: Progressive Renal Impairment:

- Kidney function starts to decline

- The enlargement of kidneys becomes more noticeable

- Symptoms may include:

- Increased fatigue

- Loss of appetite

- Nausea

- Anemia

- High blood pressure

Stage 4: Advanced Renal Impairment:

- Kidney function deteriorates further

- Cysts continue to grow, affecting kidney function

- Symptoms become more severe and may include:

- Joint pain

- Bone disease

- Kidney stones

- Hernias

- Sleep disturbances

- Worsening high blood pressure

Stage 5: End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD):

- Kidneys have lost most of their function and cannot sustain the body's needs

- Dialysis or kidney transplantation becomes necessary to replace kidney function

- Symptoms are severe and include:

- Nausea and vomiting

- Muscle weakness

- Increased swelling in the legs and ankles

- Shortness of breath

- Loss of consciousness