When the kidneys are malfunction, a variety of symptoms can be caused in PKD,
such as high potassium and creatinine in blood.
Individuals with inherit PKD develop fluid-filled cysts in both kidneys. Over
time, these cysts grow and multiply, causing the kidney to increase sometimes
dramatically in size. The normal kidney is roughly the size of a human fist, PKD
kidneys can grow to be the size of a football or larger. When the kidneys are
malfunction, a variety of symptoms can be caused, such as high potassium and
creatinine in blood.
High potassium in PKD
The kidneys normally discharge excess potassium from the body. High levels of
potassium are more likely to happen when the Polycystic kidneys are unable to
work well enough and are less able to get rid of potassium.
Hyperkalemia occurs when the levels are higher than 5 mEq/L. In this case,
patients may not have any symptoms, but if the levels reach higher than 6.5
mEq/L, the signals that go from the nerves to muscles will be impaired. As a
result, paralysis will occur, causing weak muscles and reducing patient's
reflexes. Because nerves also stimulate the heart muscle, cardiac changes can
also be caused.
High creatinine in blood with PKD
Measuring serum creatinine is a useful method of evaluating renal
dysfunction. Creatinine is freely filtered and therefore the serum creatinine
level depends on the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR). Normal range is about
0.6~1.2 mg/dl. If the level doubles, the GFR is considered to have been halved.
A threefold increase reflects a 75% loss of kidney function.
The kidneys are the key to understanding why PKD patients' blood potassium
and creatinine levels would be high. Of the greatest concern is a decrease in
kidney function due to enlarged cysts. Therefore, to rectify the abnormalities,
we need to find a fundamental method to restrain the growth of PKD cysts and
shrink them gradually. In this way, we can protect the residual renal function
from further deterioration. Have you found such an effective treatment? If not,
you can send an email to kidney-support@hotmail.com . Our experts will guide you to
the best treatment!
