Chronic loin pain in a 65-year old adult polycystic kidney disease patient

Abstract

Background: Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) is often characterized clinically by acute/chronic pain, hypertension and variable progression to end-stage renal disease. About 60% of all ADPKD patients are estimated to have chronic pain, and often this is the initially presenting symptom of an ADPKD patient that brings them to medical attention. Aim: This study reports a case of a 65-year old with polycystic kidney disease and chronic loin pain. Findings: Our patient presented with history of chronic loin pain which we believed was due to increased cysts sizes/increase in weight of the kidneys. A good history was taken from him on presentation, and also laboratory investigations were carried out. However, the cause of the pain was believed to be due to increase in cysts sizes/weight of the kidneys. The patient was educated on the possible cause of the pain and various treatment options for the condition. He was placed on intermittent use of paracetamol with good response. Conclusion: A concept that must be employed in patients suffering from chronic loin pain is to educate the patient that the pain may not be relieved permanently by any intervention method adopted, and also to offer them the treatment modalities available to enable them to cope with the pain.

Key words: Polycystic kidney disease, chronic loin pain, hypertension, paracetamol