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Background: Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is a genetically inherited pediatric disorder. It is caused by a mutation in the PKHD1 gene located on chromosome 6. The predominant phenotype is characterized by early-onset bilateral enlarged kidneys, as well as fibrocystic changes in the kidney and liver. Fetuses or infants usually present with Potter syndrome, and they are more likely to develop severe renal insufficiency. Generally, patients die perinatally or in infancy. Liver involvement has been reported in adults with ARPKD who have survived the neonatal period and childhood. However, renal involvement is rarely expected in adulthood. The case is being presented for its clinical rarity, in addition to emphasize the critical role of NGS approaches in diagnosis. Case presentation: We hereby describe a 33-year-old female with adult-onset proteinuria and nephromegaly. She had a rare homozygous missense mutation of the PKHD1 gene with autosomal recessive inheritance. The proband has consanguineous heterozygote parents. The mutation was identified by whole-exome sequencing, and the results were confirmed by segregation analysis. Conclusion: Here, we reported a thorough literature review of late-onset autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease. Furthermore, we explored the importance of genetic work-up in families with genetic disorders and consanguineous marriages, particularly in underdeveloped countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prenatal ultrasound findings of fetal bilateral echogenic kidneys accompanied by oligohydramnios can be highly stressful for both pregnant women and physicians. The diversity of underlying causes makes it challenging to confirm a prenatal diagnosis, predict postnatal outcomes, and counsel regarding recurrence risks in future pregnancies. Case Presentation: We report two cases of abnormal fetal echogenic kidneys with oligohydramnios detected in the early third trimester. Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD), a rare genetic syndrome, was initially suspected in both cases. However, postnatal diagnoses differed: the first case was confirmed as glomerulocystic kidney disease (GCKD) through renal pathology, while the second case was diagnosed as ARPKD with a compound heterozygous likely pathogenic PKHD1 mutation. Conclusion: Prenatal diagnosis of fetal echogenic kidneys with oligohydramnios should prioritize accurate diagnosis. Given the differences in the clinical spectrum, GCKD should be considered a differential diagnosis for this condition, particularly ARPKD. This study highlights the importance and benefits of molecular diagnosis and postnatal renal pathology for precise diagnosis and effective counseling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease is an inherited kidney disease. This study aims to detect rare and common DNA variants of the PKHD1 gene using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and to classify them in terms of being pathogenic according to The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. Materials and methods: NGS analysis was performed on the DNA of 304 patients who were referred to Ege University Molecular Medicine Laboratory with suspected polycystic kidney disease. Results: As a result, a total of 82 different DNA variants, 16 of which were novel, were detected. The breakdown of the variants found is as follows: 73 (89.02%) were missense variants, six (7.32%) nonsense variants, two (2.44%) frameshift deletions, and one (1.22%) nonframeshift deletion. According to The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics classification of these variants, 26 were benign (Class 5), two were likely benign (Class 4), 36 were of uncertain significance (Class 3), and nine were likely pathogenic (Class 2), nine of which are pathogenic variants (Class 1). Heterozygosity was found in 39 (63.9%) patients, homozygosity in six (9.8%) patients, compound heterozygosity in 12 (19.7%) patients, and complex genotype in four (6.6%) patients in which variants in Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 were determined according to ACMG classification. When the exon distributions of the DNA variants detected in the PKHD1 gene were analyzed, the most common exons of the DNA variant are exon 32 (n = 9), exon 58 (n = 8), exon 67 (n = 6), exon 61 (n = 5), 30 exons (n = 4). Conclusion: This fast and economical molecular diagnostic approach will provide a reliable prenatal diagnostic option, enabling definitive disease diagnosis and the identification of carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: To investigate whether the novel mutation of PKHD1 could cause polycystic kidney disease by affecting splicing with a recessive inheritance pattern. Methods: A nonconsanguineous Chinese couple with two recurrent pregnancies showed fetal enlarged echogenic polycystic kidney and oligoamnios were recruited. Pedigree WES, minigene splicing assay experiment and following bioinformatics analysis were performed to verify the effects, and inheritance pattern of diseasing-causing mutations. Results: WES revealed that both fetuses were identified as carrying the same novel mutation c.3592_3628 + 45del, p.? and c.11207 T>C, p.(Ile3736Thr) in the PKHD1 gene (NM_138694.4), which inherited from the father and mother respectively. Both bioinformatic method prediction and minigene splicing assay experience results supported the mutation c.3592_3628 + 45del, p.? affects the splicing of the PKHD1 transcript, resulting in exon 31 skipping. Another missense mutation c.11207 T>C, p.(Ile3736Thr) has a low frequency in populations and is predicted to be deleterious by bioinformatic methods. Conclusion: These findings provide a direct clinical and functional evidence that the truncating mutations of the PKHD1 gene could lead to more severe phenotypes, and cause ARPKD as a homozygous or compound heterozygous pattern. Our study broadens the variant spectrum of the PKHD1 gene and provides a basis for genetic counseling and diagnosis of ARPKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is a rare inherited cystic disease characterized by bilateral renal cyst formation and congenital liver fibrosis. Cardiovascular disorders such as noncompaction of ventricular myocardium (NVM) have not been reported with ARPKD. Case presentation: A 5-month-old girl was examined after presenting with a fever and turbid urine for one day and was diagnosed as urinary tract infection. Urinary ultrasound showed multiple round, small cysts varying in size in both kidneys. Genetic testing revealed two heterozygous mutations and one exon deletion in the polycystic kidney and hepatic disease 1 gene, indicating a diagnosis of ARPKD. During hospitalization, she was found to have chronic heart failure after respiratory tract infection, with an ejection fraction of 29% and fraction shortening of 13%. When the patient was 15 months old, it was found that she had prominent trabeculations and deep intertrabecular recesses with the appearance of blood flow from the ventricular cavity into the intertrabecular recesses by echocardiography. The noncompaction myocardium was 0.716 cm and compaction myocardium was 0.221 cm (N/C = 3.27), indicating a diagnosis of NVM. Liver and kidney function remained normal during four-year follow-up. Conclusions: This is the first report of NVM in a patient with ARPKD. It is unsure if the coexistence of NVM and ARPKD is a coincidence or they are different manifestations of ciliary dysfunction in the heart and kidneys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is often associated with hepatobiliary disease in the form of hepatic fibrosis and/or Caroli disease. Combined liver–kidney transplantation (CLKT) is a transplant modality of choice in children with both end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and severe hepatic disease. However, there is no consensus on whether children with ARPKD-associated ESRD without severe hepatic disease can be treated with isolated kidney transplantation (KT) without the need for CLKT. We retrospectively studied the efficacy of isolated KT in children with ARPKD without severe hepatic disease, and followed the course of hepatic disease post KT. This is a single-center study of three children with ARPKD and ESRD who underwent isolated KT. None of them had severe hepatic disease at the time of KT. All children were clinically diagnosed with ARPKD in the immediate postnatal period. All had hepatic fibrosis of varying degrees and two had intrahepatic biliary duct (IHBD) dilatation. None had gastrointestinal (GI) bleed, portal hypertension or cholangitis. Two children had preemptive KT. Pre-transplant unilateral or bilateral native nephrectomy were performed for two children, and one underwent unilateral native nephrectomy at the time of KT. The median creatinine clearance at a median post-KT follow-up of 24 months was 60.3 mL/min/1.73 m2. The two-year graft and patient survival were both 100%. Post KT, all three patients continued to demonstrate evidence of hepatic fibrosis and IHBD on sonogram; however, none of them were either evaluated for or required liver transplantation given normal synthetic liver function and absence of portal hypertension or other severe hepatobiliary disease. There were no adverse events observed such as cholangitis, GI bleed, or multiorgan failure. Hence, an excellent short-term graft and patient survival was demonstrated in this study of children with ARPKD and mild to moderate hepatic disease who received isolated KT. Long-term follow-up and larger studies are important to assess the efficacy of isolated KT in this subset of children with ARPKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renal cystic diseases (RCDs) can arise from utero to early adulthood and present with a variety of symptoms including renal, hepatic, and cardiovascular manifestations. It is well known that common RCDs such as autosomal polycystic kidney disease and autosomal recessive kidney disease are linked to genes such as PKD1 and PKHD1, respectively. However, it is important to investigate the genetic pathophysiology of how these gene mutations lead to clinical symptoms and include some of the less-studied RCDs, such as autosomal dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease, multicystic dysplastic kidney, Zellweger syndrome, calyceal diverticula, and more. We plan to take a thorough look into the genetic involvement and clinical sequalae of a number of RCDs with the goal of helping to guide diagnosis, counseling, and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Caroli's disease is characterized by non-obstructive dilatation of intrahepatic biliary radicals with formation of calculi followed by recurrent episodes of cholangitis. It is a rare congenital malformation and often remains silent, diagnosed accidentally. But if kept unattended, and without any early intervention, it may lead to fatal residual complications. Hence, its early recognition is of utmost importance to prevent recurrent cholangitis, hepatic abscess, liver cirrhosis and cholangiocarcinoma. Hence, we feel that this case must be reported so as to increase awareness among physicians regarding this entity. Case presentation: We hereby report a case of 10-year-old boy who reported with complaints of recurrent episodes of fever, breathing difficulty and multiple episodes of epigastric abdominal pain with apparently healthy siblings. His routine investigation, laboratory parameters were within normal limits. Ultrasonography abdomen showed liver with normal echo-texture with varying sized multiple thin walled cysts involving both the lobes, right more than left with saccular dilatation of 2nd and 3rd order intra-hepatic biliary radicals without calcification without any colour flow on Doppler evaluation. The common hepatic and common bile ducts were normal in calibre and lumen. Magnetic resonance imaging abdomen had similar findings and upper GI endoscopy was also normal. He was finally diagnosed to be a case of Caroli's disease and was managed with broad spectrum antibiotics, ursodeoxycholic acid, multivitamins, and calcium supplements. He made an uneventful recovery thereafter. Parents were counselled about the risk of cholangitis and cholangiocarcinoma and was referred to tertiary care centre for genetic counselling and for future need of liver transplantation. Conclusion: Age presentation of Caroli's disease varies. Majority present during adolescence and early adulthood. This often poses a diagnostic challenge owing its rare entity and silent presentation. A strong index of suspicion and prompt diagnosis is warranted to prevent its fatal residual complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Variants of the polycystic kidney and hepatic disease 1 (PKHD1) gene are associated with autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD). This study aimed to identify the genetic causes in a Chinese pedigree with ARPKD and design a minigene construct of the PKHD1 gene to investigate the impact of its variants on splicing. Methods: Umbilical cord samples from the proband and peripheral blood samples from his parents were collected, and genomic DNA was extracted for wholeexome sequencing (WES). Bioinformatic analysis was used to identify potential genetic causes, and Sanger sequencing confirmed the existence of variants within the pedigree. A minigene assay was performed to validate the effects of an intronic variant on mRNA splicing. Results: Two variants, c.9455del (p.N3152Tfs*10) and c.2408-13C>G, were identified in the PKHD1 gene (NM_138694.4) by WES; the latter has not been previously reported. In silico analysis predicted that this intronic variant is potentially pathogenic. Bioinformatic splice prediction tools revealed that the variant is likely to strongly impact splice site function. An in vitro minigene assay revealed that c.2408-13C>G can cause aberrant splicing, resulting in the retention of 12 bp of intron 23. Conclusion: A novel pathogenic variant of PKHD1, c.2408-13C>G, was found in a fetus with ARPKD, which enriches the variant spectrum of the PKHD1 gene and provides a basis for genetic counseling and the diagnosis of ARPKD. Minigenes are optimal to determine whether intron variants can cause aberrant splicing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is one of the most common hereditary kidney diseases, which is characterized by progressive cyst growth and secondary hypertension. In addition to cystogenesis and renal abnormalities, patients with PKD can develop vascular abnormalities and cardiovascular complications. Progressive cyst growth substantially alters renal structure and culminates into end-stage renal disease. There remains no cure beyond renal transplantation, and treatment options remain largely limited to chronic renal replacement therapy. In addition to end-stage renal disease, patients with PKD also present with hypertension and cardiovascular disease, yet the timing and interactions between the cardiovascular and renal effects of PKD progression are understudied. Here, we review the vascular dysfunction found in clinical and preclinical models of PKD, including the clinical manifestations and relationship to hypertension, stroke, and related cardiovascular diseases. Finally, our discussion also highlights the critical questions and emerging areas in vascular research in PKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in infants and children. In severe cases bilateral nephrectomies are considered but may be associated with significant neurological complications and life-threatening hypotension. Case presentation: We describe a case of a 17 months old boy with genetically confirmed ARPKD who underwent sequential bilateral nephrectomies at the age of 4 and 10 months. Following the second nephrectomy the boy was started on continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis with blood pressure on the lower range. At the age of 12 months after a few days of poor feeding at home the boy experienced a severe episode of hypotension and coma of Glasgow Come Scale of three. Brain magnetic-resonance imaging (MRI) showed signs of hemorrhage, cytotoxic cerebral edema and diffuse cerebral atrophy. During the subsequent 72 h he developed seizures requiring anti-epileptic drug therapy, gradually regained consciousness but remained significantly hypotensive after discontinuation of vasopressors. Thus, he received high doses of sodium chloride orally and intraperitoneally as well as midodrine hydrochloride. His ultrafiltration (UF) was targeted to keep him in mild-to-moderate fluid overload. After two months of stable condition the patient started to develop hypertension requiring four antihypertensive medications. After optimizing peritoneal dialysis to avoid fluid overload and discontinuation of sodium chloride the antihypertensives were discontinued, but hyponatremia with hypotensive episodes reoccurred. Sodium chloride was reintroduced resulting in recurrent salt-dependent hypertension. Conclusions: Our case report illustrates an unusual course of blood pressure changes following bilateral nephrectomies in an infant with ARPKD and the particular importance of tight regulation of sodium chloride supplementation. The case adds to the scarce literature about clinical sequences of bilateral nephrectomies in infants, and as well highlights the challenge of managing blood pressure in these patients. Further research on the mechanisms and management of blood pressure control is clearly needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measurement of total kidney volume (TKV) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a valuable approach for monitoring disease progression in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and is becoming more common in preclinical studies using animal models. Manual contouring of kidney MRI areas [i.e., manual method (MM)] is a conventional, but time-consuming, way to determine TKV. We developed a template-based semiautomatic image segmentation method (SAM) and validated it in three commonly used PKD models: Cys1cpk/cpk mice, Pkd1RC/RC mice, and Pkhd1pck/pck rats (n = 10 per model). We compared SAM-based TKV with that obtained by clinical alternatives including the ellipsoid formula-based method (EM) using three kidney dimensions, the longest kidney length method (LM), and MM, which is considered the gold standard. Both SAM and EM presented high accuracy in TKV assessment in Cys1cpk/cpk mice [interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) ≥ 0.94]. SAM was superior to EM and LM in Pkd1RC/RC mice (ICC = 0.87, 0.74, and <0.10 for SAM, EM, and LM, respectively) and Pkhd1pck/pck rats (ICC = 0.59, <0.10, and <0.10, respectively). Also, SAM outperformed EM in processing time in Cys1cpk/cpk mice (3.6 ± 0.6 vs. 4.4 ± 0.7 min/kidney) and Pkd1RC/RC mice (3.1 ± 0.4 vs. 7.1 ± 2.6 min/kidney, both P < 0.001) but not in Pkhd1PCK/PCK rats (3.7 ± 0.8 vs. 3.2 ± 0.5 min/kidney). LM was the fastest ~1 min) but correlated most poorly with MM-based TKV in all studied models. Processing times by MM were longer for Cys1cpk/cpk mice, Pkd1RC/RC mice, and Pkhd1pck.pck rats (66.1 ± 7.3, 38.3 ± 7.5, and 29.2 ± 3.5 min). In summary, SAM is a fast and accurate method to determine TKV in mouse and rat PKD models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is a rare ciliopathy characterized by progressively enlarged kidneys with fusiform dilatation of the collecting ducts. Loss-of-function mutations in the PKHD1 gene, which encodes fibrocystin/polyductin, cause ARPKD; however, an efficient treatment method and drug for ARPKD have yet to be found. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are short special oligonucleotides which function to regulate gene expression and alter mRNA splicing. Several ASOs have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of genetic disorders, and many are progressing at present. We designed ASOs to verify whether ASOs mediate the correction of splicing further to treat ARPKD arising from splicing defects and explored them as a potential treatment option. (2) Methods: We screened 38 children with polycystic kidney disease for gene detection using whole-exome sequencing (WES) and targeted next-generation sequencing. Their clinical information was investigated and followed up. The PKHD1 variants were summarized and analyzed, and association analysis was carried out to analyze the relationship between genotype and phenotype. Various bioinformatics tools were used to predict pathogenicity. Hybrid minigene analysis was performed as part of the functional splicing analysis. Moreover, the de novo protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide was selected to verify the degraded pathway of abnormal pre-mRNAs. ASOs were designed to rescue aberrant splicing, and this was verified. (3) Results: Of the 11 patients with PKHD1 variants, all of them exhibited variable levels of complications of the liver and kidneys. We found that patients with truncating variants and variants in certain regions had a more severe phenotype. Two splicing variants of the PKHD1 genotypes were studied via the hybrid minigene assay: variants c.2141-3T>C and c.11174+5G>A. These cause aberrant splicing, and their strong pathogenicity was confirmed. We demonstrated that the abnormal pre-mRNAs produced from the variants escaped from the NMD pathway with the use of the de novo protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide. Moreover, we found that the splicing defects were rescued by using ASOs, which efficiently induced the exclusion of pseudoexons. (4) Conclusion: Patients with truncating variants and variants in certain regions had a more severe phenotype. ASOs are a potential drug for treating ARPKD patients harboring splicing mutations of the PKHD1 gene by correcting the splicing defects and increasing the expression of the normal PKHD1 gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is caused by mutations in the PKHD1 gene. The clinical spectrum is often more variable than previously considered. We aimed to analyze the clinical features of genetically diagnosed ARPKD in the Japanese population. Methods: We conducted a genetic analysis of patients with clinically diagnosed or suspected ARPKD in Japan. Moreover, we performed a minigene assay to elucidate the mechanisms that could affect phenotypes. Results: PKHD1 pathogenic variants were identified in 32 patients (0–46 years). Approximately one-third of the patients showed prenatal anomalies, and five patients died within one year after birth. Other manifestations were detected as follows: chronic kidney disease stages 1–2 in 15/26 (57.7%), Caroli disease in 9/32 (28.1%), hepatic fibrosis in 7/32 (21.9%), systemic hypertension in 13/27 (48.1%), and congenital hypothyroidism in 3 patients. There have been reported that truncating mutations in both alleles led to severe phenotypes with perinatal demise. However, one patient without a missense mutation survived the neonatal period. In the minigene assay, c.2713C > T (p.Gln905Ter) and c.6808 + 1G > A expressed a transcript that skipped exon 25 (123 bp) and exon 41 (126 bp), resulting in an in-frame mutation, which might have contributed to the milder phenotype. Missense mutations in cases of neonatal demise did not show splicing abnormalities. Conclusion: Clinical manifestations ranged from cases of neonatal demise to those diagnosed in adulthood. The minigene assay results indicate the importance of functional analysis, and call into question the fundamental belief that at least one non-truncating mutation is necessary for perinatal survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Both Caroli disease (CD) and autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) are autosomal recessive disorders, which are more commonly found in infants and children, for whom surviving to adulthood is rare. Early diagnosis and intervention can improve the survival rate to some extent. This study adopted the case of a 26-year-old pregnant woman to explore the clinical and imaging manifestations and progress of CD concomitant with ARPKD to enable a better understanding of the disease.Case Presentation: A 26-year-old pregnant woman was admitted to our hospital for more than 2 months following the discovery of pancytopenia and increased creatinine. Ultrasonography detected an enlarged left liver lobe, widened hepatic portal vein, splenomegaly, and dilated splenic vein. In addition, both kidneys were obviously enlarged and sonolucent areas of varying sizes were visible, but color Doppler flow imaging revealed no abnormal blood flow signals. The gestational age was approximately 25 weeks, which was consistent with the actual fetal age. Polyhydramnios was detected but no other abnormalities were identified. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed that the liver was plump, and polycystic liver disease was observed near the top of the diaphragm. The T1 and T2 weighted images were the low and high signals, respectively. The bile duct was slightly dilated; the portal vein was widened; and the spleen volume was enlarged. Moreover, the volume of both kidneys had increased to an abnormal shape, with multiple, long, roundish T1 and T2 abnormal signals being observed. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed that intrahepatic cystic lesions were connected with intrahepatic bile ducts. The patient underwent a genetic testing, the result showed she carried two heterozygous mutations in PKHD1. The patient was finally diagnosed with CD with concomitant ARPKD. The baby underwent a genetic test three months after birth, the result showed that the patient carried one heterozygous mutations in PKHD1, which indicated the baby was a PKHD1 carrier.Conclusions: This case demonstrates that imaging examinations are of great significance for the diagnosis and evaluation of CD with concomitant ARPKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renal cysts can be focal or diffuse and unilateral or bilateral. In childhood, most renal cysts are due to hereditary diseases rather than simple cysts or acquired cystic diseases, unlike adults. Inherited cystic diseases can be ciliopathies due to a primary ciliary defect (as in polycystic kidney diseases and nephronophthisis). Acquired causes include obstructive cystic dysplasia, dyselectrolytemia, and acquired cysts in renal replacement therapy. The final diagnosis requires a multispecialty approach, including radiology, pathology, and genetics. Imaging is a very important component in treating patients with cystic renal diseases. This article discusses the ultrasound findings of cystic renal diseases in children, along with a brief discussion of other imaging modalities and a suggested ultrasound reporting format. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate whether liver and spleen magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) can measure the severity of congenital hepatic fibrosis (CHF) and portal hypertension (pHTN) in individuals with autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD), and to examine correlations between liver MRE and ultrasound (US) elastography. Methods: Cross-sectional study of nine individuals with ARPKD and 14 healthy controls. MRE was performed to measure mean liver and spleen stiffness (kPa); US elastography was performed to measure point shear wave speed (SWS) in both liver lobes. We compared: (1) MRE liver and spleen stiffness between controls vs. ARPKD; and (2) MRE liver stiffness between participants with ARPKD without vs. with pHTN, and examined correlations between MRE liver stiffness, spleen length, platelet counts, and US elastography SWS. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to examine diagnostic accuracy of liver MRE. Results: Participants with ARPKD (median age 16.8 [IQR 13.3, 18.9] years) had higher median MRE liver stiffness than controls (median age 14.7 [IQR 9.7, 16.7 years) (2.55 vs. 1.92 kPa, p = 0.008), but MRE spleen stiffness did not differ. ARPKD participants with pHTN had higher median MRE liver stiffness than those without (3.60 kPa vs 2.49 kPa, p = 0.05). Liver MRE and US elastography measurements were strongly correlated. To distinguish ARPKD vs. control groups, liver MRE had 78% sensitivity and 93% specificity at a proposed cut-off of 2.48 kPa [ROC area 0.83 (95% CI 0.63–1.00)]. Conclusion: Liver MRE may be a useful quantitative method to measure the severity of CHF and pHTN in individuals with ARPKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is a ciliopathy with kidney and liver manifestations. Children with ARPKD usually remain only under the care of nephrologist due to silent liver involvement characterized by congenital hepatic fibrosis with or without bile ducts dilatation. The aim of this study is to pay attention on the occurrence of the abnormalities of the biliary tract in ARPKD patients. Material and methods: Data on laboratory (serum total and direct bilirubin concentration, gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase [GGT] activity, serum bile acids concentration) and imaging examinations findings (intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts dilatation, biliary cysts), as well as data on history of cholangitis, were analysed retrospectively in 17 patients (14 male and 3 female, aged from 2.5 to 42 years) with molecularly confirmed diagnosis of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD). Results: Increased GGT activity was noticed in 7 patients and slightly increased direct bilirubin in 8 (46.7 and 53.3% respectively). Only one patient had a history of cholangitis. Dilatation of intrahepatic bile ducts and common bile duct on ultrasound examination was described in 10 and 5 patients respectively. There was no close correlation between laboratory and imaging examination findings. Four our patients with dilated bile ducts had normal laboratory results, while two patients had abnormalities only in laboratory tests. Both, laboratory and imaging abnormalities were found in 6 and none of them in 5 patients. Conclusions: In patients with ARPKD abnormalities of the biliary tract can occur even when standard laboratory tests findings stay within normal limits. Detailed biliary tree imaging evaluation should be performed in each patients with increased GGT activity/bile acid concentration, history of cholangitis, before kidney transplantation, as well as in adolescents and young adults due to increased risk of cholangiocarcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Management of children with autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) who develop end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) remains challenging because of concomitant liver disease. Patients with recurrent cholangitis are candidates for liver‐kidney transplantation, while the treatment for patients with splenomegaly and pancytopenia due to portal hypertension is controversial. Herein, we report 7 children who were treated using an individualized treatment strategy stratified by liver disease. Two patients with recurrent cholangitis underwent sequential liver‐kidney transplantation, while 4 patients with splenomegaly and pancytopenia but without recurrent cholangitis underwent splenectomy followed by isolated kidney transplantation. The remaining patient, who did not have cholangitis and pancytopenia, underwent isolated kidney transplantation. Blood cell counts were normalized after splenectomy was performed at the median age of 8.7 (range, 7.4‐11.7) years. Kidney transplantation was performed at the median age of 8.8 (range, 1.9‐14.7) years in all patients. Overwhelming post‐splenectomy infections and cholangitis did not occur during the median follow‐up period of 6.3 (range, 1.0‐13.2) years. The estimated glomerular filtration rate at the last follow‐up was 53 (range, 35‐107) mL/min/1.73 m2. No graft loss occurred. Our individualized treatment strategy stratified by recurrent cholangitis and pancytopenia can be a feasible strategy for children with ARPKD who develop ESRD and warrants further evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common inherited renal disease. This pathology has been increasingly diagnosed in utero and several sonographic patterns are well described in the literature.Objective: To present a series of fetuses with an unusual imaging pattern of ADPKD, mimicking autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD).Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed second-line ultrasound (US) scans performed for suspicion of fetal kidney pathology between 2006 and 2018. Inclusion criteria were (1) proven ADPKD on the basis of a known family history and/or of genetic testing and (2) US features suggestive of ARPKD. We recorded the clinical, imaging, genetic and pathological findings in cases with pregnancy termination.Results: Three out of 12 patients with proven ADPKD diagnosed in utero presented with US features suggestive of ARPKD. Furthermore, an additional patient observed at another institution was added to the series. History of familial ADPKD was present in three cases. US showed enlarged kidneys with increased cortical echogenicity, decreased corticomedullary differentiation, multiple medullary cysts and decreased amniotic fluid in all four cases. Pregnancy was terminated in two cases (histology confirmed features in keeping with ADPKD), one premature neonate died (histology in progress) and one child is alive. Genetic testing showed a homozygous mutation of the PKD1 gene in two patients, a heterozygous mutation of the PKD1 gene in one patient and was not performed in the remaining patient.Conclusion: This series describes an unusual sonographic prenatal presentation of ADPKD, not yet well described in the radiologic literature, mimicking ARPKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypomagnesaemia is present in 40-50% of children with autosomal dominant renal cysts and diabetes syndrome (RCAD). On the contrary, the prevalence of hypomagnesaemia in children with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) has never been examined. We aimed to investigate whether hypomagnesaemia is present in children with polycystic kidney diseases.Methods: Children with cystic kidney diseases were investigated in a cross-sectional study. Serum concentrations of magnesium (S-Mg) and fractional excretion of magnesium (FE-Mg) were tested. Fifty-four children with ADPKD ( n = 26), autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) ( n = 16) and RCAD ( n = 12) with median age of 11.2 (0.6-18.6) years were investigated.Results: Hypomagnesaemia (S-Mg < 0.7 mmol/L) was detected in none of the children with ADPKD/ARPKD and in eight children (67%) with RCAD. Median S-Mg in children with ADPKD/ARPKD was significantly higher than in children with RCAD (0.89 vs. 0.65 mmol/L, P < 0.01). The FE-Mg was increased in 23% of patients with ADPKD/ARPKD (all had chronic kidney disease stages 2-4) and in 63% of patients with RCAD, where it significantly correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (r = -0.87, P < 0.01).Conclusions: Hypomagnesaemia is absent in children with ADPKD or ARPKD and could serve as a marker for differential diagnostics between ADPKD, ARPKD and RCAD in children with cystic kidney diseases of unknown origin where molecular genetic testing is lacking. However, while hypomagnesaemia, in the absence of diuretics, appears to rule out ADPKD and ARPKD, normomagnesaemia does not rule out RCAD at least in those aged <3 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: A wide variety of mutations are spread throughout the PKHD1 gene, which encodes a 4074-bp amino acid protein, namely fibrocystin/polyductin, and is responsible for all features of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD). Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease is a hereditary early-onset form of polycystic kidney disease characterized by fusiform dilation of collecting ducts and congenital hepatic fibrosis. The highest level of PKDH1 expression is in the kidneys of fetus and adults, suggesting the functionally importance of the gene in the mature kidney in addition to its role in kidney development.Materials and Methods: Mutational analysis of the PKHD1 gene was performed in 11 families with a history of 1 to 6 fetuses or children affected by ARPKD, which either were aborted or died shortly after birth. Analyses were done using the Next Generation sequencing and Sanger sequencing techniques.Results: Four novel mutations, including c.6469C>T, c.9218 G>A, c.10456T>C, and c.8863C>G, and 3 previously reported ones, including c.9524A>G, c.1095G>A, c.1123C>T, were identified.Conclusions: In view of high consanguineous marriages in Iranian population, the frequency of disease is expected to be higher than the world average. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Locus and allellic heterogeneity in polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a great challenge in precision diagnosis. We aim to establish comprehensive methods to distinguish the pathogenic mutations from the variations in PKD1 , PKD2 and PKHD1 genes in a limited time and lay the foundation for precisely prenatal diagnosis, preimplantation genetic diagnosis and presymptom diagnosis of PKD. Methods Nested PCR combined with direct DNA sequencing were used to screen variations in PKD1 , PKD2 and PKHD1 genes. The pathogenicity of de novel variations was assessed by the comprehensive methods including clinic data and literature review, databases query, analysis of co-segregation of the variants with the disease, variant frequency screening in the population, evolution conservation comparison, protein structure analysis and splice sites predictions. Results 17 novel mutations from 15 Chinese Han families were clarified including 10 mutations in PKD1 gene and 7 mutations in PKHD1 gene. The novel mutations were classified as 4 definite pathogenic, 2 highly likely pathogenic, 4 likely pathogenic, 7 indeterminate by the comprehensive analysis. The results were verified the truth by the follow-up visits. Conclusions The comprehensive methods may be useful in distinguishing the pathogenic mutations from the variations in PKD1 , PKD2 and PKHD1 genes for prenatal diagnosis and presymptom diagnosis of PKD. Our results also enriched PKD genes mutation spectrum and evolved possible genotype-phenotype correlations of Chinese Han population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) constitutes an important cause of pediatric end stage renal disease and is characterized by a broad phenotypic variability. The disease is caused by mutations in a single gene, Polycystic Kidney and Hepatic Disease 1 ( PKHD1), which encodes a large transmembrane protein of poorly understood function called fibrocystin. Based on current knowledge of genotype-phenotype correlations in ARPKD, two truncating mutations are considered to result in a severe phenotype with peri- or neonatal mortality. Infants surviving the neonatal period are expected to carry at least one missense mutation. Case-Diagnosis/Treatment: We report on a female patient with two truncating PKHD1 mutations who survived the first 30 months of life without renal replacement therapy. Our patient carries not only a known stop mutation, c.8011C>T (p.Arg2671*), but also the previously reported c.51A>G PKHD1 sequence variant of unknown significance in exon 2. Using functional in vitro studies we have confirmed the pathogenic nature of c.51A>G, demonstrating activation of a new donor splice site in intron 2 that results in a frameshift mutation and generation of a premature stop codon. Conclusions: This case illustrates the importance of functional mutation analyses and also raises questions regarding the current belief that the presence of at least one missense mutation is necessary for perinatal survival in ARPKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver transplantation ( LT) represents an uncommon indication for Caroli's disease ( CD) or syndrome ( CS). Excellent results of LT have been reported as shown by recent multicentric European and American registry reports. Clear therapeutic flowcharts to adopt in these diseases are still lacking. This review aims at analyzing highlighting recent transplant experiences in this field and also at focusing on the role of LT in case-specific comorbidities such as development of cholangiocellular cancer or renal failure are present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is an early-onset form of polycystic kidney disease that often leads to devastating outcomes for patients. ARPKD is caused by mutations in the PKHD1 gene, an extensive gene that encodes for the ciliary protein fibrocystin/polyductin. Next-generation sequencing is presently the best option for molecular diagnosis of ARPKD. Our aim was to set up the first study of ARPKD patients from the Czech Republic, to determine the composition of their mutations and genotype-phenotype correlations, along with establishment of next-generation sequencing of the PKHD1 gene that could be used for the diagnosis of ARPKD patients. Methods: Mutational analysis of the PKHD1 gene was performed in 24 families using the amplicon-based nextgeneration sequencing (NGS) technique. In patients without 2 causal mutations identified by NGS, subsequent MLPA analysis of the PKHD1 gene was carried out. Results: Two underlying mutations were detected in 54 % of families (n = 13), one mutation in 13 % of families (n = 3), and in 33 % of families (n=8) no mutation could be detected. Overall, seventeen different mutations (5 novel) were detected, including deletion of one exon. The detection rate in our study reached 60 % in the entire cohort of patients; but 90 % in the group of patients who fulfilled all clinical criteria of ARPKD, and 42 % in the group of patients with unknown kidney pathology. The most frequent mutation was T36M, accounting for nearly 21 % of all identified mutations. Conclusions: Next-generation sequencing of the PKHD1 gene is a very useful method of molecular diagnosis in patients with a full clinical picture of ARPKD, and it has a high detection rate. Furthermore, its relatively low costs and rapidity allow the molecular genetic analysis of patients without the full clinical criteria of ARPKD, who might also have mutations in the PKHD1 gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycystic kidney disease ( PKD) is transmitted as either an autosomal dominant or recessive trait and is a major cause of renal failure and liver fibrosis. The cpk mouse model of autosomal recessive PKD ( ARPKD) has been extensively characterized using standard histopathological techniques after euthanasia. In the current study, we sought to validate magnetic resonance microscopy ( MRM) as a robust tool for assessing the ARPKD phenotype. We used MRM to evaluate the liver and kidney of wild-type and cpk animals at resolutions <100 μm and generated three-dimensional (3D) renderings for pathological evaluation. Our study demonstrates that MRM is an excellent method for evaluating the complex, 3D structural defects in this ARPKD mouse model. We found that MRM was equivalent to water displacement in assessing kidney volume. Additionally, using MRM we demonstrated for the first time that the cpk liver exhibits less extensive ductal arborization, that it was reduced in volume, and that the ductal volume was disproportionately smaller. Histopathology indicates that this is a consequence of bile duct malformation. With its reduced processing time, volumetric information, and 3D capabilities, MRM will be a useful tool for future in vivo and longitudinal studies of disease progression in ARPKD. In addition, MRM will provide a unique tool to determine whether the human disease shares the newly appreciated features of the murine biliary phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD; MIM 263200) occurs in 1:20,000 live births. Disease expression is widely variable, with approximately 30 % of affected neonates dying perinatally, while others survive to adulthood. Mutations at the PKHD1 locus are responsible for all typical presentations. The objectives of this study were to define the clinical and genetic characteristics in a cohort of South African patients of Afrikaner origin, a population with a high prevalence of ARPKD. Methods: DNA from the cohort was analyzed for background haplotypes and the p.M627K mutation previously identified in two unrelated Afrikaner patients. The clinical phenotype of the homozygous group was characterized. Results: Analysis of 36 Afrikaner families revealed that 27 patients, from 24 (67 %) families, were homozygous for the p.M627K substitution, occurring on a common haplotype. The clinical phenotype of the homozygous individuals was variable. Conclusions: Our data provide strong evidence that the p.M627K substitution is a founder mutation in the Afrikaner population and can be used for streamlined diagnostic testing for at-risk pregnancies. The observed clinical variability suggests that disease expression is modulated by other genetic loci or by gene-environment interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NODAT is increasingly prevalent. Compared with adult recipients, NODAT is less prevalent in pediatric renal transplant recipients; however, some risk factors for its development in young patients have been defined. We report four pediatric renal transplant recipients with ARPKD who developed NODAT. We review the current pediatric NODAT literature and hypothesize that ARPKD may be an additional risk factor for NODAT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) results from mutations in the human PKHD1 gene. Both this gene, and its mouse ortholog, Pkhd1, are primarily expressed in renal and biliary ductal structures. The mouse protein product, fibrocystin/polyductin complex (FPC), is a 445-kDa protein encoded by a 67-exon transcript that spans >500 kb of genomic DNA. In the current study, we observed multiple alternatively spliced Pkhd1 transcripts that varied in size and exon composition in embryonic mouse kidney, liver, and placenta samples, as well as among adult mouse pancreas, brain, heart, lung, testes, liver, and kidney. Using reverse transcription PCR and RNASeq, we identified 22 novel Pkhd1 kidney transcripts with unique exon junctions. Various mechanisms of alternative splicing were observed, including exon skipping, use of alternate acceptor/donor splice sites, and inclusion of novel exons. Bioinformatic analyses identified, and exon-trapping minigene experiments validated, consensus binding sites for serine/arginine-rich proteins that modulate alternative splicing. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we examined the functional importance of selected splice enhancers. In addition, we demonstrated that many of the novel transcripts were polysome bound, thus likely translated. Finally, we determined that the human PKHD1 R760H missense variant alters a splice enhancer motif that disrupts exon splicing in vitro and is predicted to truncate the protein. Taken together, these data provide evidence of the complex transcriptional regulation of Pkhd1/PKHD1 and identified motifs that regulate its splicing. Our studies indicate that Pkhd1/PKHD1 transcription is modulated, in part by intragenic factors, suggesting that aberrant PKHD1 splicing represents an unappreciated pathogenic mechanism in ARPKD. Key messages: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is an inherited disorder characterized by enlarged, cystic kidneys with progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD), systemic hypertension, and congenital hepatic fibrosis. Children with ARPKD can have early onset CKD and severe hypertension, both of which are known to have adverse neurocognitive effects. The objectives of this study were (1) to determine whether ARPKD patients have greater neurocognitive deficits compared to that of children with other causes of CKD, and (2) to examine the relative prevalence of hypertension in ARPKD, a known risk factor for neurocognitive dysfunction. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional, control-matched analysis of 22 ARPKD patients with mild-to-moderate CKD in the Chronic Kidney Disease in Children (CKiD) cohort study, compared with a control group of 44 children with other causes of CKD, matched based on glomerular filtration rate, age at study entry, and age at diagnosis. Results: Children with ARPKD in this cohort had neurocognitive functioning comparable to children with other causes of CKD in domains of intellectual functioning, academic achievement, attention regulation, executive functioning, and behavior. Blood pressure parameters were similar between the two groups; however, ARPKD patients required a significantly greater number of antihypertensive medications to achieve similar BP levels. Conclusions: ARPKD patients are potentially at risk for neurocognitive dysfunction due to early onset CKD and more severe hypertension. However, this study of children with mild-to-moderate CKD in the CKiD cohort did not demonstrate increased risk in children with ARPKD compared to children with other causes of CKD. Further studies are needed to determine if these findings are applicable to children with more severe manifestations of ARPKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease, an inherited disorder characterized by the formation of cysts in renal collecting ducts and biliary dysgenesis, is caused by mutations of the polycystic kidney and hepatic disease 1 (PKHD1) gene. Expression of PKHD1 is tissue specific and developmentally regulated. Here, we show that a 2.0-kb genomic fragment containing the proximal promoter of mouse Pkhd1 directs tissue-specific expression of a lacZ reporter gene in transgenic mice. LacZ is expressed in renal collecting ducts beginning during embryonic development but is not expressed in extrarenal tissues. The Pkhd1 promoter contains a binding site for the transcription factor hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-1β, which is required for activity in transfected cells. Mutation of the HNF-1β-binding site abolishes the expression of the lacZ reporter gene in renal collecting ducts. Transgenes containing the 2.0-kb promoter and 2.7 kb of additional genomic sequence extending downstream to the second exon are expressed in the kidney, intrahepatic bile ducts, and male reproductive tract. This pattern overlaps with the endogenous expression of Pkhd1 and coincides with sites of expression of HNF-1β. We conclude that the proximal 2.0-kb promoter is sufficient for tissue-specific expression of Pkhd1 in renal collecting ducts in vivo and that HNF-1β is required for Pkhd1 promoter activity in collecting ducts. Additional genomic sequences located from exons 1-2 or elsewhere in the gene locus are required for expression in extrarenal tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simultaneous combined liver-kidney transplantation (CLKT) is a rare operation in pediatric patients so that annually only 10-30 operations are performed worldwide. The main indications for CLKT are primary hyperoxaluria type 1 and autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease. In addition, CLKT is indicated in individual patients with metabolic or cirrhotic liver diseases and end-stage kidney disease. The surgery and immediate post-operative management of CLKT remain challenging in infants and small children. The patients should be operated on before they become severely ill or develop major systemic manifestations of their metabolic disorder. The liver allograft is immunologically protective of the kidney graft in simultaneous CLKT, often resulting in well-preserved kidney function. The long-term outcome after CLKT is nowadays comparable to that of isolated liver and kidney transplantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basement membrane abnormalities have often been observed in kidney cysts of polycystic kidney disease (PKD) patients and animal models. There is an abnormal deposition of extracellular matrix molecules, including laminin-α3,β3,γ2 (laminin-332), in human autosomal dominant PKD (ADPKD). Knockdown of PKD1 paralogs in zebrafish leads to dysregulated synthesis of the extracellular matrix, suggesting that altered basement membrane assembly may be a primary defect in ADPKD. In this study, we demonstrate that laminin-332 is aberrantly expressed in cysts and precystic tubules of human autosomal recessive PKD (ARPKD) kidneys as well as in the kidneys of PCK rats, an orthologous ARPKD model. There was aberrant expression of laminin-γ2 as early as postnatal day 2 and elevated laminin-332 protein in postnatal day 30, coinciding with the formation and early growth of renal cysts in PCK rat kidneys. We also show that a kidney cell line derived from Oak Ridge polycystic kidney mice, another model of ARPKD, exhibited abnormal lumen-deficient and multilumen structures in Matrigel culture. These cells had increased proliferation rates and altered expression levels of laminin-332 compared with their rescued counterparts. A function-blocking polyclonal antibody to laminin-332 significantly inhibited their abnormal proliferation rates and rescued their aberrant phenotype in Matrigel culture. Furthermore, abnormal laminin-332 expression in cysts originating from collecting ducts and proximal tubules as well as in precystic tubules was observed in a human end-stage ADPKD kidney. Our results suggest that abnormal expression of laminin-332 contributes to the aberrant proliferation of cyst epithelial cells and cyst growth in genetic forms of PKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inherited cystic kidney diseases, including autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD), are the most common monogenetic causes of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in children and adults. While ARPKD is a rare and usually severe pediatric disease, the more common ADPKD typically shows a slowly progressive course leading to ESRD in adulthood. At the present time there is no established disease-modifying treatment for either ARPKD or ADPKD. Various therapeutic approaches are currently under investigation, such as V2 receptor antagonists, somatostatins, and mTOR inhibitors. Renal function remains stable for decades in ADPKD, and thus clinically meaningful surrogate markers to assess therapeutic efficacy are needed. Various studies have pointed out that total kidney volume (TKV) is a potential surrogate parameter for disease severity in ADPKD. Recent trials have therefore measured TKV by magnet resonance imaging (MRI) to monitor and to predict disease progression. Here, we discuss novel insights on polycystic kidney disease (PKD), the value of MRI, and the measurement of TKV in the diagnosis and follow-up of PKD, as well as novel emerging therapeutic strategies for ADPKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improved neonatal medical care and renal replacement technology have improved the long-term survival of patients with ARPKD. Ten-yr survival of those surviving the first year of life is reported to be 82% and is continuing to improve further. However, despite increases in overall survival and improved treatment of systemic hypertension and other complications of their renal disease, nearly 50% of survivors will develop ESRD within the first decade of life. In addition to renal pathology, patients with ARPKD develop ductal plate malformations with cystic dilation of intra- and extrahepatic bile ducts resulting in CHF and Caroli syndrome. Many patients with CHF will develop portal hypertension with resulting esophageal varices, splenomegaly, hypersplenism, protein losing enteropathy, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Management of portal hypertension may require EBL of esophageal varices or porto-systemic shunting. Complications of hepatic involvement can include ascending cholangitis, cholestasis with malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins, and rarely benign or malignant liver tumors. Patients with ARPKD who eventually reach ESRD, and ultimately require kidney transplantation, present a unique set of complications related to their underlying hepato-biliary disease. In this review, we focus on new approaches to these challenging patients, including the indications for liver transplantation in ARPKD patients with severe chronic kidney disease awaiting kidney transplant. While survival in patients with ARPKD and isolated kidney transplant is comparable to that of age-matched pediatric patients who have received kidney transplants due to other primary renal diseases, 64-80% of the mortality occurring in ARPKD kidney transplant patients is attributed to cholangitis/sepsis, which is related to their hepato-biliary disease. Recent data demonstrate that surgical mortality among pediatric liver transplant recipients is decreased to <10% at one yr. The immunosuppressive regimen used for kidney transplant recipients is adequate for most liver transplant recipients. We therefore suggest that in a select group of ARPKD patients with recurrent cholangitis or complications of portal hypertension, combined liver-kidney transplant is a viable option. Although further study is necessary to confirm our approach, we believe that combined liver-kidney transplantation can potentially decrease overall mortality and morbidity in carefully selected ARPKD patients with ESRD and clinically significant CHF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is one of the most common inheritable disease manifesting in infancy and childhood with a frequency of 1:6,000 to 1:55,000 births. The patient in her second trimester presented with a history of amenorrhea. Ultrasound examination revealed bilateral, enlarged, hyperechogenic kidneys, placentomegaly, and severe oligohydramnios. The pregnancy was terminated. An autopsy was performed on the fetus. Both the kidneys were found to be enlarged and the cut surface showed numerous cysts. The liver sections showed changes due to fibrosis. The final diagnosis of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease was made based on these findings. In this article, we correlate the ante-natal ultrasound and histopathological findings in autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) triggers a robust immune system response including changes in both innate and adaptive immunity. These changes involve immune cells (e.g., macrophages and T cells) as well as cytokines and chemokines (e.g., MCP-1) that regulate the production, differentiation, homing, and various functions of these cells. This review is focused on the role of the immune system and its associated factors in the pathogenesis of PKDs as evidenced by data from cell-based systems, animal models, and PKD patients. It also highlights relevant pre-clinical and clinical studies that point to specific immune system components as promising candidates for the development of prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic strategies to improve PKD outcomes. • Chemokines and their regulators that modulate progression of renal cystic diseases. • The role of innate immune cells in cystic kidney diseases. • The impact of adaptive immune cells on renal pathologies including polycystic kidney disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]