ACE inhibitors
Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors; a group of drugs commonly used to treat hypertension in PKD patients.
Aldosterone
A hormone that causes the body to retain salt and lose potassium.
Amniocentesis
A test used in prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities in which a small amount of amniotic fluid, which contains fetal tissues, is sampled from the amniotic sac surrounding a developing fetus, and the fetal DNA is examined for genetic abnormalities.
Amniotic fluid
The protective fluid contained in the amniotic sac of a pregnant female; the fluid is partially supplied by fetal urine which is produced by the fetal kidneys; in ARPKD, poor prenatal renal function causes a reduction in this fluid.
Aneurysm
An outpouching in a blood vessel which can leak or rupture.
Angiogram
Procedures that utilize contrast dye injected into the blood vessels in order to clearly visualize them; it is typically used when an aneurysm is suspected or to look for blockages in heart vessels.
Angiotensin
A powerful constrictor of blood vessels; it stimulates the production of aldosterone.
Angiotensinogen
A substance in the blood that forms a hormone called angiotensin.
ARBs
Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs); a group of drugs commonly used to treat hypertension in PKD patients.
Arteriovenous (AV) graft
A looped, plastic tube that connects an artery to a vein.
Arteriovenus (AV) fistula
A surgically-created connection from an artery to a vein.
Aspirate
To draw fluid by suction.
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD)
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease; the more common form of PKD, it occurs in approx. 1 in 500 live births.
Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD)
Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease; occurs in approx. 1 in 20,000 live births.
Autosomes
A chromsome that is not a sex chromosome; most cells in our body have 22 sets of autosomes.
Bladder
A muscular sac in the pelvis that collects urine.
Blood pressure
A measurement of the force of the blood as it flows through the body.
Blood type
A classification of blood based on the presence or absence of antigens on the surface of red blood cells; there are four major blood types – A, B, AB, and O; your blood type must be compatible with a potential kidney donor.
Blood type incompatible
A transplant option that allows you to receive a kidney from a living donor who has an incompatible blood type; specialized medical treatment is required before and after transplant to prevent rejection.
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
A measure of kidney function; urea nitrogen is the waste product of dietary protein, so if the urea nitrogen builds up in the blood, it is a sign of decreased kidney function.
Caffeine
A substance found in coffee, tea, soft-drinks, etc.; it is generally considered best for PKD patients to limit caffeine intake to less than 200-250 mg daily.
Calcium
A mineral that the body needs for strong bones and teeth. Calcium may form stones in the kidney.
Calcium oxalate
A common type of crystal that can lead to kidney stones.
Carrier
An individual who carries one copy of a recessive gene like that for ARPKD; they do not have the disease but can pass the mutation on to their offspring.
Cell proliferation
Cell growth.
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
A test used in prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities in which a sample of chorionic villi is removed from the placenta for testing.
Chronic pain
Pain that is constant over a long time; long-term pain.
Computed tomography (CT)
A screening test that may involve radiation or iodinated contrast dye, which can be toxic to kidneys.
Congenital hepatic fibrosis (CHF)
A liver abnormality common in children with ARPKD; it may lead eventually lead to enlargement of the liver and spleen.
Creatinine
A waste product of muscle metabolism; the level of creatinine in the blood is a measure of kidney function.
Creatinine clearance
A test to calculate approximately how much actual kidney function you have.
Crossmatch
A blood test that tells you what antibodies you have in your body.
Cyclic AMP (cAMP)
Signalling molecule in cells that form tubules in the kidneys; abnormalities can lead to cyst formation.
Cystitis
A UTI with infection in the bladder.
Diastolic pressure
The bottom/second number of the blood pressure reading; it measures the pressure when the heart is relaxing between beats.
Direct mutation analysis/DNA sequencing
A type of DNA testing requires only a single sample from the person being tested. An analysis of the DNA sequences of the PKD1 and PKD2 genes is performed.
Directed donation
The most common type of living donation; when a living donor names the person who will receive their organ.
Diverticula
Outpouchings on the large intestine.
Diverticulitis
Can occur when diverticuli rupture or become infected.
DNA testing
A way to find out if you have a PKD gene. See also gene linkage testing and direct mutation analysis.