What is the Life Expectancy of Someone with Polycystic Kidney Disease?

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD), you’re probably wondering about what kind of future you have. While this is natural, it is not without an answer. It is okay to have these concerns.

Fortunately, today’s medical care together with the right lifestyle choices allowed many patients with PKD to live a meaningful life well into their 60s and 70s. Your health experience is unique only to you. But you’re not alone in this experience.

There are two main types of PKD. And knowing which one you have will help you and your medical team learn what to expect. You and your doctor will figure out a way to work together. It is important to maintain a normal blood pressure. But if you have a good medical team, it makes a huge difference in managing your PKD.

Furthermore, the earlier the problems are caught, the better the doctors can help you manage your disease. You can take control of your health and better manage your condition with the assurance of modern medicine.

Key Takeaways

• PKD is a genetic disorder causing kidney cysts, potentially leading to kidney failure.

• ADPKD affects adults, with kidney failure often by age 60

• ARPKD impacts infants.

• Survival rates have improved, with 84% 5-year survival on dialysis.

• Genetics, comorbidities, and treatments significantly influence life expectancy.

What is the Life Expectancy For Polycystic Kidney Disease?

If you have PKD today, you are expected to get into your 50s to 70s. But this depends on which type you have and how well you are managing it. People with autosomal dominant PKD (ADPKD) typically live about 53–70 years old. But those with autosomal recessive PKD (ARPKD) have shorter life spans than their counterparts because the disease starts early and quickly progresses.

Life expectancy depends on varying factors, such as:

• Blood pressure control

• Access to quality medical care

• Kidney function decline rate

• Development of complications

With proper lifestyle choices and treatment, many people with PKD can lead normal lives until their senior years.

How is polycystic kidney disease diagnosed and monitored?

PKD diagnosis typically begins with imaging studies when symptoms appear or family history raises concerns. Early detection enables better disease management and treatment planning.

Standard diagnostic tools:

• Kidney ultrasound

• Computed tomography (CT) scan

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

• Genetic testing

• Blood testing (monitoring kidney function)

Recommended monitoring schedule:

• Annual kidney function tests (creatinine, GFR)

• Blood pressure checks every 3-6 months

• Imaging studies every 1-5 years

• Genetic counseling when planning families

• Nephrology specialist visits every 6 months

When should you see a doctor if you suspect PKD?

See a healthcare provider immediately if you experience persistent back or side pain, blood in urine, or frequent urinary tract infections, especially with PKD family history.

Warning signs requiring medical evaluation:

• Chronic back or flank pain

• Blood in urine (hematuria)

• High blood pressure in young adults

• Frequent kidney stones

• Recurring urinary tract infections

• Abnormal kidney function on routine blood work

Family history considerations:

• Parent or sibling diagnosed with PKD

• Multiple family members with kidney disease

• Early-onset high blood pressure in relatives

• Family history of brain aneurysms

Early detection clinics at major medical centers provide comprehensive PKD risk assessments.

How does ADPKD differ from ARPKD in terms of life expectancy?

ADPKD allows for a longer lifespan compared to ARPKD because symptoms usually start in adulthood. It gives patients decades of normal kidney function.

Autosomal Dominant PKD (ADPKD) characteristics:

• Affects approximately 90% of all PKD patients

• Symptoms usually appear between the ages 30 and 40

• On average, the life expectancy is about 53–70 years

• Kidney failure usually occurs in the 50s or 60s

• Allows more time for preventive care and treatment planning

Autosomal Recessive PKD (ARPKD) characteristics:

• Affects about 1 in 20,000 births, which is much rarer

• Symptoms start at birth or in early childhood

• Significantly shorter life expectancy

• Often requires immediate medical intervention

• Higher risk of liver complications alongside kidney issues

So, the main difference between ADPKD and ARPKD is the timing. ADPKD gives you a chance to manage your health proactively with your medical team. ARPKD, on the other hand, is unfortunately associated with early intensive medical care right at birth.

What factors affect how long you can live with PKD?

Several controllable and uncontrollable factors influence your PKD life expectancy. Understanding these helps you make informed decisions about managing your health.

Major factors that impact PKD life expectancy:

• Adequate blood pressure control–uncontrolled blood pressure accelerates kidney damage

• Genetic variation–some PKD mutations progresses much faster than others

• Access to appropriate medical care–regular monitoring helps prevent complications

• Overall health status–underlying conditions like diabetes and heart disease can worsen the outcomes

• Compliance with treatment–following diet plans and medications consistently

• Early detection–catching PKD before symptoms appear

• Lifestyle choices–smoking cessation, diet, and exercise

If you live in the United States (US), insurance coverage and proximity to specialized kidney centers can significantly affect the long-term outcome. Public health insurance will cover the dialysis and transplant costs. Private health insurance offers varied PKD coverage.

Location-based considerations in the US:

• Urban areas typically have better access to nephrologists

• Regional transplant centers affect wait times

• State Medicaid programs vary in PKD coverage

• Rural patients may need telehealth options

Your family history also plays a crucial role. If multiple family members developed PKD complications early, genetic counseling can help predict your individual risk level.

What are common complications that affect life expectancy with PKD?

PKD complications significantly impact life expectancy if untreated. Understanding and managing these complications helps preserve kidney function and overall health.

Major complications affecting lifespan:

• High blood pressure–accelerates kidney damage

• Brain aneurysms–occur in 8-12% of PKD patients

• Liver cysts–usually benign but can cause discomfort

• Heart valve problems–mitral valve prolapse common

• Urinary tract infections–can lead to kidney scarring

• Kidney stones–more frequent in PKD patients

Risk management strategies:

• Regular blood pressure monitoring and control

• MRI screening for brain aneurysms in high-risk patients

• Prompt treatment of urinary tract infections

• Cardiac monitoring for valve abnormalities

• Pain management for liver cyst complications

Each complication requires specific monitoring and treatment approaches. Cardiovascular complications pose the major risk for shortened life expectancy, making heart health management crucial alongside kidney care.

Can you live a normal life with PKD?

Yes, many people with PKD live fulfilling, productive lives with appropriate adjustments. The key is understanding what "normal" means for you and adapting accordingly.

What normal life looks like with PKD:

• Keeping a full-time employment in most cases

• Participating in family activities and social events

• Traveling with proper medical planning

• Pursuing interests and hobbies

• Building relationships and starting families

Most PKD patients can continue working well into their 50s and beyond. In fact, many of these patients lead demanding careers, raise families, and maintain active lifestyles. Success comes from proactive health management rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen.

Essential lifestyle adaptations:

• Regular medical checkups every 6 months

• Home blood pressure monitoring

• Kidney-friendly diet modifications

• Proper hydration without overhydrating

• Doctor-approved exercise routines

Support resources significantly improve quality of life. You may also find local support groups helpful. There are also foundations that provide financial support and assistance for treatments and medications.

When it comes to employment protection, the Americans with Disabilities Act prevents discrimination due to PKD diagnosis. Many employers offer flexible schedules for medical appointments once you clearly establish your needs.

How does dialysis impact PKD life expectancy?

Dialysis is often the management used to extend life for PKD patients. It is used for patients when their kidney function drops to about 10–15%. Without dialysis, end-stage kidney disease typically leads to death within weeks to months.

Life expectancy with dialysis:

• 5-year survival rate: approximately 85-89% for PKD patients

• 10-year survival rate: around 70-85% for those starting dialysis under age 65

Generally, patients with dialysis have better outcomes than other kidney disease patients. About 50% of people who have PKD will develop kidney failure at 60 years old and 60% at the age of 70, for which they need dialysis or kidney transplant.

Types of dialysis available:

• Hemodialysis–may be done in facilities or centers three times per week

• Peritoneal dialysis–can be done at home daily using an automated peritoneal dialysis

With advanced technology, machines for home dialysis are now available, which allows you to undergo hemodialysis at the comfort of your home at night while you sleep. However, these machines are not for everyone. You need to learn how to operate it and be responsible for your own treatment.

Insurance funded by the government automatically covers the cost for dialysis in most US centers once kidney failure sets in. Quality of life on dialysis varies considerably. Many PKD patients report feeling significantly better once starting dialysis as toxin buildup decreases. However, the time commitment and physical demands require substantial lifestyle adjustments.

Factors affecting dialysis success:

• Starting dialysis before becoming severely ill

• Maintaining good nutrition and exercise habits

• Managing blood pressure and other health conditions

• Having strong family and social support systems

• Working with experienced nephrology teams

How long can someone live with PKD after a kidney transplant?

Kidney transplant offers the best long-term survival for PKD patients. Living donor transplants typically last about 15-20 years, while it’s 8-12 years for deceased donor transplant.

PKD transplant survival statistics:

• 1-year survival rate is at 95%

• 3-5-year survival rate is at 90%

However, you have to understand that these are averages. It does not automatically apply to you. And it still depends on how good you are at taking care of your health.

Generally, the average wait time for kidney transplant in the US is 3-5 years. But, this also depends on your location or which part of the country you belong to and your blood type.

Transplant process phases:

• Evaluation–may take several days or months in some cases; needed to be thorough and comprehensive

• Wait list placement

• Surgery and recovery

• Long-term follow-up

Post-transplant life expectations:

A lot of people have concerns about their life after a kidney transplant, such as quality of life. What you can expect after the transplant include:

• Return to work–within 12 weeks

• Drive around–after 6 weeks

• Go on a holiday–about 6 months after the transplant

• Play sports–after 8 weeks

• Regular monitoring every 3-6 months

• Adherence to medications for graft survival

Again, these are average and may not be true for all cases. It will vary depending on the individual, overall health status, and the quality of care done or received.

What happens in the final stages of PKD?

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a point where the chronic kidney disease reaches its permanent stage and function has declined so that the kidneys could no longer work on their own. Understanding this progression helps families prepare and make informed care decisions.

End-stage PKD symptoms:

• Severe fatigue and weakness

• Nausea and loss of appetite

• Difficulty concentrating

• Swelling in legs, ankles, and around eyes

• Shortness of breath

• Changes in urination patterns

Medical management options:

• Dialysis to replace kidney function

• Kidney transplant if eligible

• Conservative management focusing on comfort

• Palliative care for symptom relief

The progression from early PKD to ESRD typically takes about 20 years for ADPKD patients, allowing extensive planning and preparation with healthcare teams.

End-of-life care considerations:

• Advance directive completion

• Family discussions about treatment preferences

• Hospice care referrals when appropriate

• Comprehensive pain and symptom management

Many medical teams collaborate with palliative care specialists to ensure dignity and comfort throughout the disease progression.

Care during final stages focuses on maintaining quality of life rather than aggressive interventions. Many families find peace knowing their loved one received comprehensive support throughout their health and fight with PKD.

What treatments can help extend life with PKD?

Modern PKD treatments significantly slow disease progression and extend life expectancy. Early intervention provides optimal outcomes for long-term kidney health.

Medical treatments:

• Tolvaptan–FDA-approved to slow cyst growth

• ACE inhibitors or ARBs for blood pressure control

• Pain management medications for cyst-related discomfort

• Antibiotics for urinary tract infections

• Diuretics for fluid management

Lifestyle interventions:

• Low-sodium diet (under 2,300mg daily)

• Adequate hydration (8-10 glasses water daily)

• Regular moderate exercise

• Smoking cessation

• Stress management techniques

• Weight management

Blood pressure control remains the most critical factor in slowing PKD progression. Maintaining blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg can significantly delay the need for dialysis or transplant.

Preventive care measures:

• Annual kidney function testing

• Regular blood pressure monitoring

• Genetic counseling for family planning

• Screening for PKD complications like aneurysms

• Vaccination against kidney-damaging infections

Access to specialized nephrology care substantially improves outcomes.

Emerging treatments:

• Clinical trials for new medications

• Gene therapy research

• Advanced imaging techniques

• Personalized medicine approaches based on genetic testing

Does PKD shorten life more in men or women?

Research shows men with PKD typically have more severe disease progression and shorter life expectancy compared to women, though both genders can live long, productive lives with proper care.

Gender-based differences:

• Men reach end-stage kidney disease 2-3 years earlier on average

• Women may have slower cyst growth due to hormonal factors

• Pregnancy can temporarily worsen PKD symptoms but doesn't affect long-term outcomes

• Men have higher rates of cardiovascular complications

Studies indicate that hormonal differences may protect women from rapid PKD progression during childbearing years. However, post-menopause, progression rates become more similar between genders.

Both men and women benefit equally from early intervention and proper medical management. Success depends on personalized care rather than gender-based assumptions about disease progression.

Quick Summary Box

• Average life expectancy ranges from 53-70 years depending on PKD type and management

• PKD2 patients live 16 years longer on average than those with PKD1 mutations

• Kidney transplant extends life 15-20 years beyond dialysis treatment alone

• Blood pressure control is the most critical factor in slowing disease progression

• Modern treatments like Tolvaptan can significantly slow cyst growth and preserve kidney function

• Men typically progress faster than women, reaching kidney failure 2-3 years earlier

• Dialysis survival rates are excellent with 85-89% living 5+ years after starting treatment

Related Resources

Stage 2 Kidney Disease Life Expectancy: Basic Concepts Explained

What is Atrophic Kidney? When the Body Filters Begin to Fail

Frequently Asked Questions

Can PKD be cured permanently?

No, PKD currently has no cure, but treatments can manage symptoms and slow progression. Modern medications like Tolvaptan and proper blood pressure control significantly improve long-term outcomes.

Is polycystic kidney disease hereditary?

Yes, PKD is usually inherited. The most common form is autosomal dominant PKD, which means you only need one parent with the gene to develop the condition.

What lifestyle changes help PKD patients live longer?

Eating a low-sodium diet, controlling blood pressure, avoiding smoking, staying hydrated, and maintaining regular exercise can significantly extend life expectancy with PKD.

Can you live a full life with PKD?

Many people with PKD live relatively normal, productive lives well into their 60s and 70s with proper medical management and lifestyle modifications.

References

References

American Kidney Fund. (2021, November 12). Kidney stones | American Kidney Fund. https://www.kidneyfund.org/all-about-kidneys/other-kidney-problems/kidney-stones

Akbar, S., & Bokhari, S. R. A. (2020). Polycystic Kidney Disease. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532934/ 

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease - Complications. (2017, October 20). Nhs.uk. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autosomal-dominant-polycystic-kidney-disease-adpkd/complications/ 

Bellos, I. (2021). Safety Profile of Tolvaptan in the Treatment of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease. Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management, Volume 17, 649–656. https://doi.org/10.2147/tcrm.s286952 

Borghol, A. H., Alkhatib, B., Zayat, R., Ravikumar, N. P. G., Munairdjy Debeh, F. G., Ghanem, A., Mina, J., Mao, M. A., Dahl, N. K., Hickson, L. J., Aslam, N., Torres, V. E., Brown, R. D., Tawk, R. G., & Chebib, F. T. (2025). Intracranial Aneurysms in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: A Practical Approach to Screening and Management. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 100(6), 1030–1050. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2025.02.003 

Chronic Kidney Disease in Children: Practice Essentials, Background, Etiology and Pathophysiology. (2023). EMedicine. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/984358-overview?form=fpf 

Cleveland Clinic. (2022, March 14). Kidney Transplant: Surgery, Purpose, Procedure & Recovery. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22537-kidney-transplant 

Fernando, M. R., Dent, H., McDonald, S. P., & Rangan, G. K. (2017). Incidence and survival of end-stage kidney disease due to polycystic kidney disease in Australia and New Zealand (1963–2014). Population Health Metrics, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12963-017-0123-7 

Getting back to activities. (n.d.). Organ Transplantation - NHS Blood and Transplant. https://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/organ-transplantation/kidney/living-with-a-kidney-transplant/getting-back-to-activities/ 

Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2019). End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/end-stage-renal-failure 

Mayo Clinic. (2024, March 28). Kidney Transplant - Mayo Clinic. Mayoclinic.org; Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/kidney-transplant/about/pac-20384777 

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2019, June 5). Peritoneal Dialysis. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/kidney-failure/peritoneal-dialysis 

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2020, January 13). Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease | NIDDK. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/polycystic-kidney-disease/autosomal-recessive-pkd 

National Kidney Foundation. (2024a). What Is Dialysis? National Kidney Foundation. https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/dialysis 

National Kidney Foundation. (2024b, August 12). Hemodialysis. National Kidney Foundation. https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/hemodialysis 

National Kidney Foundation. (2024c, August 13). Kidney Transplant. National Kidney Foundation. https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/kidney-transplant 

National Kidney Foundation. (2024d, August 13). Polycystic Kidney Disease. National Kidney Foundation. https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/polycystic-kidney-disease 

Nobakht, N., Hanna, R. M., Al-Baghdadi, M., Ameen, K. M., Arman, F., Nobahkt, E., Kamgar, M., & Rastogi, A. (2020). Advances in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: A Clinical Review. Kidney Medicine, 2(2), 196–208. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xkme.2019.11.009 

Petrone, M., Catania, M., De Rosa, L. I., Degliuomini, R. S., Kola, K., Lupi, C., Brambilla Pisoni, M., Salvatore, S., Candiani, M., Vezzoli, G., & Sciarrone Alibrandi, M. T. (2024). Role of Female Sex Hormones in ADPKD Progression and a Personalized Approach to Contraception and Hormonal Therapy. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13(5), 1257. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13051257 

Polycystic Kidney Disease: Practice Essentials, Pathophysiology, Etiology. (2023). EMedicine. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/244907-overview?form=fpf 

Sagar, P. S., & Rangan, G. K. (2023). Cardiovascular Manifestations and Management in ADPKD. Kidney International Reports, 8(10), 1924–1940. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ekir.2023.07.017 

The Kidney Transplant Waitlist. (2024, August 17). National Kidney Foundation. https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/kidney-transplant-waitlist 

Wüthrich, R. P., Kistler, A. D., Rodriguez, D., Kapoor, S., & Mei, C. (2015). Blood Pressure Control for Polycystic Kidney Disease (X. Li, Ed.). PubMed; Codon Publications. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK373376/