Early Diagnosis and Genetic Risk Warning in Polycystic Kidney Disease from Abdi İbrahim Otsuka

As part of World Polycystic Kidney Disease Day on September 4, Abdi İbrahim Otsuka is drawing attention to the importance of family history and early diagnosis in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), a hereditary condition. The disease, which can progress for many years without symptoms, can affect not only the kidneys but also different organs and systems of the body.

Polycystic kidney disease is among the most common hereditary kidney diseases. The probability of a parent with the disease passing on the genetic change that causes the disease to their child is stated to be 50 percent. For this reason, a family history of polycystic kidney disease constitutes an important risk indicator for other family members.

Family history is an important sign for early assessment
The presence of polycystic kidney disease in the family is important in terms of informing at-risk individuals about the disease and directing them to physician assessment at the appropriate time. It is recommended that individuals whose mother, father, or sibling in particular have polycystic kidney disease share their family history with their physicians.

Family screening and physician assessment can help direct at-risk individuals to an appropriate follow-up plan.

It can progress without symptoms
Polycystic kidney disease can progress for many years without causing noticeable complaints. In some patients, diagnosis may be made during the assessment of issues such as hypertension, flank or back pain, blood in the urine, kidney stones, or urinary tract infection.

Recognizing the disease at an early stage is important not only for assessing existing kidney function but also for determining the risk of disease progression and creating an individually appropriate follow-up plan.

As part of regular checkups, assessment of blood pressure and kidney function, along with imaging examination of the kidneys when necessary, contributes to monitoring the course of the disease.

Polycystic kidney disease is a systemic disease
Polycystic kidney disease, characterized by the formation of numerous cysts in the kidneys, is not considered a disease that affects only the kidneys. The disease can also lead to health problems associated with different organs and systems.

Hypertension stands out as one of the important issues accompanying polycystic kidney disease and can be seen even while kidney function is still preserved. Regular monitoring of blood pressure and appropriate control of high blood pressure are important for protecting cardiovascular health as well as the kidneys.

Certain cardiovascular problems can be seen more frequently in individuals with polycystic kidney disease compared to the general population. Therefore, during the follow-up process, it is important to assess not only kidney function but also the individual's overall cardiovascular risks.

Another important issue associated with the disease is aneurysms that can develop in the brain's blood vessels. Although routine screening for brain aneurysm is not necessary for every polycystic kidney disease patient, screening may be recommended by the physician in high-risk groups, such as those with a family history of brain aneurysm or brain hemorrhage.

Early diagnosis and regular follow-up are important in disease management
The course of polycystic kidney disease can vary from person to person. For this reason, regular nephrology follow-up and individual risk assessment after diagnosis play an important role in managing the disease.

On the occasion of World Polycystic Kidney Disease Day, Abdi İbrahim Otsuka draws attention to the importance of individuals, particularly those with a family history of the disease, assessing their risks with their physicians and not neglecting necessary checkups.

About Abdi İbrahim Otsuka
Abdi İbrahim Otsuka was established on November 6, 2012, through a 50 percent partnership between Abdi İbrahim, the leading company of the Turkish pharmaceutical industry with over a century of history, and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., one of Japan's well-established pharmaceutical companies. Headquartered in İstanbul, the company brings together Otsuka Pharmaceutical's R&D power and experience with Abdi İbrahim's advanced technology and GMP-standard manufacturing infrastructure to deliver innovative products for the service of humanity.

Drawing strength from the mission and vision of both companies, Abdi İbrahim Otsuka continues its efforts with the goal of creating value in Türkiye and neighboring markets. While operating in line with its innovative approaches and focus on investment in the pharmaceutical industry, the company aims to provide added value to the country's economy.