Genetic Diseases and Pregnancy

Abstract

Inherited kidney diseases cause 30% of pediatric and 20% of adult chronic kidney diseases. Diseases such as adult dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) can be diagnosed by family history and renal ultrasound. Alport syndrome can be diagnosed by kidney biopsy in some patients. Genetic testing is needed to identify the pattern of inheritance and to determine the prognosis of the disease. Patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) develop hypertension (HTN) and progression to end-stage kidney disease. Many genetic diseases such as autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD), Fabry’s disease, nephronopthisis, Dent disease, cystinosis, and others cause increased morbidity, chronic kidney disease (CKD), end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), and mortality. Pregnancy in normal and those with genetic diseases may lead to the development of such complications as hypertension, preeclampsia, and thrombotic microangiopathies. Appropriate management during pregnancy may alleviate some of these complications.