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Acquired cystic kidney disease: an under-recognized condition in children with end-stage renal disease

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Abstract

Acquired cystic kidney disease (ACKD) is a condition that occurs predominantly in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In contrast to hereditary cystic kidney disease, ACKD is characterized by the presence of multiple small cysts in bilaterally small kidneys. Limited pediatric data suggest a high incidence (21.6–45.8%) of ACKD in children on dialysis, comparable to that in adults, with an increased frequency associated with a longer duration of dialysis. Recent research has shed light on the pathogenesis of ACKD, such as activation of proto-oncogenes. Although most patients with ACKD are asymptomatic, the condition can be complicated by renal cell carcinoma. Routine surveillance should therefore be considered in at-risk populations.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank Dr R. Garola, MD, for providing the pathology slides.

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  1. Children’s Mercy Hospital, 2401 Gillham Road, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA

    Eugene Y. H. Chan & Bradley A. Warady

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  1. Eugene Y. H. Chan
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Correspondence to Bradley A. Warady.

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1. D

2. B, C

3. A

4. B

5. A, C, D

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Chan, E.Y.H., Warady, B.A. Acquired cystic kidney disease: an under-recognized condition in children with end-stage renal disease. Pediatr Nephrol 33, 41–51 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00467-017-3649-9

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