Fetal multicystic dysplastic kidney
Fetal multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK)
is a condition that results from the malformation of the kidney
during fetal development. The kidney consists of irregular cysts of varying
sizes that resemble a bunch of grapes. It has no function, and nothing can be done
to save this kidney. This defect generally only affects one of the kidneys,
so typically the other healthy kidney will grow larger to compensate for the
diseased one. Occasionally the disease affects both kidneys, which is incompatible with
life, causing the fetus to be stillborn or to die shortly after birth.
Incidence of the condition
In the United States it is estimated that 1 in every 2400 live births are
affected by fetal MCDK. It generally occurs at the same rate in both females and
males. In approximately 50% of babies diagnosed with this disease other
urological defects are found. However, the other defects can generally be
corrected with surgery or by observation alone.
Diagnosis of fetal multicystic dysplastic kidney
A fetal MCDK is generally diagnosed by ultrasound
(sonogram) examination before birth. Evaluation of the kidneys is part of the
routine ultrasound examination done by many obstetricians as part of their
prenatal care around the 20th week of pregnancy.
Treatment for MCDK
Nothing can be done to treat a
fetal MCDK. However, after the baby is
born, the progress of the MCDK is tracked through a series of ultrasound
examinations every six months to a year.
It is monitored to make sure that it does not grow or develop a
tumor. Most often, the MCDK will
regress and disappear eventually, leaving the child with one healthy
kidney. In addition to tracking the
MCDK, the healthy kidney is screened for any defects such as a blockage or
reflux. If there is something
wrong, this allows the physicians time to intervene quickly to in order to save
the functioning kidney before it worsens.
Long-term outlook
The long term outlook is generally very good for these
children. It is rare for a child
with MCDK to have symptoms later in life that stem from this problem.