[Course and prognosis of polycystic kidney degeneration]

Polycystic disease of the kidneys was found in 80 patients, who were members of 18 families. The disease could be demonstrated in 62 of 65 tested persons of these families. By ultrasound examination cyst formations could be detected already in the age of 6 years. The most common complications were urinary tract infections (46%), hypertension (30%) and nephrolithiasis (29%). Cysts of liver and pancreas were observed in 30%, cerebral hemorrhage in 6%. The frequency of hypertension and urinary tract infections as well as the occurrence of uremia increased in the fifth decennium.