Final answer:
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder where multiple abnormal cysts develop in the kidneys causing a variety of symptoms and potentially leading to kidney failure. A horseshoe kidney is a different congenital condition where the kidneys are joined, and absent radii are not commonly associated with PKD.
Step-by-step explanation:
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder characterized by the growth of multiple abnormal cysts in the kidneys. These cysts can significantly enlarge the kidneys, disrupt their function, and lead to various symptoms such as high blood pressure, headaches, abdominal pain, and hematuria (blood in the urine). While a horseshoe kidney is a congenital condition where the two kidneys are joined together at the lower end or base forming a U shape, it's different from PKD. Horseshoe kidneys themselves can be associated with increases in kidney stones, infections, and other kidney-related problems. PKD can be either autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive, and its effects can be evident through various stages of life, from infancy to adulthood. Diabetic nephropathy, PKD, or chronic hypertension may eventually lead to kidney failure, necessitating kidney transplantation or hemodialysis as a life-supporting treatment.
Diseases such as homo-cystinuria and cystinuria are related to metabolic issues leading to symptoms like thrombosis and kidney stones respectively, but are distinct from PKD. The treatment of PKD focuses on managing symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease. The presence of absent radii is not commonly associated with PKD but may occur in other genetic conditions.