How can polycystic kidney disease be treated?

Q: My 18 months old daughter is suffering from polycystic kidney disease. Is there any treatment for the same?

A:Polycystic kidney disease is a inherited genetic disorder and in children often presents early in life as in the above case. The disease tends to cause progressive impairment of kidney function over several years depending upon the severity of initial kidney disease at the time of its diagnosis. Treatment revolves around measures to delay the progressive disease like strict control of blood pressure and prevention and treatment of recurrent urinary tract infection to which the child becomes prone to. In addition, most often, child is prone to delays in physical development and growth. Hence, the focus is also on increased intake of nutritious diet while monitoring the growth chart. Lastly, liver function and blood cell count monitoring over period of time is required since liver and often spleen can get involved. All these can be done under the care of pediatric nephrologist.