There is currently no cure for polycystic kidney disease. In the early stages, a patient can be treated for high blood pressure, pain, and any other secondary symptoms. If the disease progresses to the point of kidney failure, dialysis and kidney transplantation provide replacement therapy, but does not cure PKD.
Hemodialysis is the most common type of dialysis. Learn about it with this slide show:
Dialysis removes waste and balances the electrolyte and fluid level of the blood. These tasks are usually performed by the kidneys. However, when the kidneys can no longer do their job sufficiently, or when they are removed, dialysis is an artificial way to mimic their function. There are two types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Learn about hemodialysis in this slide show.
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