History of Illness:

A previously well man aged 41 years became increasingly fatigued and lethargic, as well as experiencing throbbing headaches. Following investigation, hypertension (high blood pressure) and polycystic kidneys were diagnosed. His mother and stepbrother also had polycystic kidneys. He subsequently had several attacks of loin pain and haematuria (blood in the urine). His kidney function gradually declined, and after 4 years he developed end-stage renal  failure, requiring haemodialysis. Fortunately, 7 months later he received a kidney transplant, which functioned adequately (plasma creatinine 0.11 mmol/L). Both natural kidneys were removed at the time of transplantation, because of recurring problems with blood in the urine and kidney infections (pyelonephritis).