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Case History: How did the journey begin?
JA is a 30-something female with a kidney condition called Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD). It is a genetic disorder caused by changes in specific genes that make certain proteins critical for the healthy functioning of the kidneys and other body parts functioning. The condition is characterized by the growth of numerous fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys. A progressive disease, the symptoms of ADPKD tend to worsen over time and include increasing kidney cysts, high blood pressure, back pain, and discomfort in the side of the body, leading to progressively poor function of the kidneys.
ADPKD is a common hereditary condition.
Initial Assessment
JA presented to American Hospital Dubai with poorly controlled blood pressure and recurrent calcium stones, which she had for many years. Both conditions are typical of ADPKD and can go undetected till the disease reaches a critical stage. (High blood pressure damages the kidneys and speeds up the deterioration of kidney function.) The patient was not responding to anti-hypertensive medications due to the various side effects caused by ADPKD.
It is critical to take a probing, in-depth approach to common conditions such as hypertension and determine its root cause to control the problem before it can do irreversible damage. Hypertension is a common early finding in ADPKD. The nephrology team zeroed in on the underlying cause of her high blood pressure as a kidney-related phenomenon, thus preempting the risk of further complications.
Accurate Diagnosis and Collaborative Effort
After her ADPKD was confirmed, JA was seen in our Nephrology department for further evaluation and management of her condition. We worked with her closely on the blood pressure that had been difficult to control. Research has shown that cyst expansion triggers a rise in blood pressure in ADPKD patients. After several adjustments of hypertension medications, dietary counselling, and lifestyle modifications – essential in controlling blood pressure – JA showed significant improvement in her BP readings. The Nephrology team closely coordinated with our Dietician to promote a holistic approach to JA’s blood pressure management.
In-depth, Comprehensive Treatment Approach to Inhibit Kidney Damage
Treating ADPKD requires a comprehensive approach that looks beyond the source into the potential risks caused by the disease in other body areas. Getting JA’s hypertension under control was a critical goal for the Nephrology team at American Hospital Dubai. We wanted to not only lower her blood pressure to prevent further kidney damage but also retard the growth of cysts in the kidney, which irreversibly damage kidney function. The two factors are interlinked.
Reducing blood pressure also would reduce JA’s risks of cardiovascular complications, as hypertension is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in ADPKD patients. The condition can make heart problems more likely and accelerate ADPKD’s progression. Therefore, early treatment also helps prevent heart problems.
The all-round, comprehensive approach ensured JA received the most effective treatment to promote her health in a multidisciplinary way.
The Importance of Timely and Precise Intervention
Cyst growth and hypertension are interlinked in ADPKD patients - creating a loop of progressive kidney damage; therefore, achieving an early and timely intervention through correct diagnosis and effective long-term treatment is critical. The improvement in JA’s blood pressure will actively decrease the growth of her kidney cysts, thus inhibiting further kidney damage.
Had JA’s hypertension been diagnosed conservatively, it would have led to more complications with time. However, American Hospital Dubai’s accurate and timely diagnostic expertise helped her to get on to the path of improvement quickly.
Conclusion
JA’s treatment protocol for ADPKD by American Hospital Dubai reiterates the importance of taking a broad-based, penetrative, and informed diagnostic assessment to achieve positive care outcomes. Her treatment was based on a holistic overview, including medication, diet, and lifestyle modifications to successfully reach outcome targets and mark the way forward in treating complex conditions.
Director of Nephrology / Hypertension Specialist
Patient Experience
Chief Arthur Mbanefo, 91 years old, former ambassador to the UN and Representative of Nigeria, thanks the American Hospital Dubai for the excellent medical treatment and personalized care he received.
