There is more than one type of polycystic kidney disease, and not all are genetic!

There are three types of polycystic kidney disease (PKD): autosomal dominant (ADPKD), autosomal recessive (ARPKD), and acquired cystic kidney disease (ACKD). ADPKD is the most common requiring one parent with the dominant gene, and commonly manifests in adulthood. ARPKD is less common and often affects younger individuals. ACKD is not inherited and usually develops in people with longterm kidney problems. 

Autosomal Dominant (ADPKD):

ADPKD is caused by a genetic mutation passed down from one parent. It is the most common form of PKD, affecting about 600,000 people in the US, according to the PKD Foundation.  You may not notice symptoms until your 30s and 40s, but can even manifest in childhood. Cysts develop and enlarge in both kidneys, potentially leading to kidney failure. 

Autosomal Recessive (ARPKD):

ARPKD is a rare genetic disorder where both parents must carry the gene for their child to inherit it.  Symptoms can appear before birth or shortly after, with severity often correlating with the age of onset, affecting 1 in 20,000 children, according to the PKD Foundation. It can be more severe than ADPKD, sometimes leading to kidney failure in infancy. 

Acquired Cystic (ACKD): 

ACKD is not an inherited or genetic disease. It typically develops in people with long-term kidney problems, such as those on dialysis.  Fluid-filled cysts form in the kidneys, potentially leading to complications like kidney cancer.