Epidemiological and Clinical Profile of Patients with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease in a Dakar Single Centre

Introduction: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common genetic disease leading to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In Africa, the prevalence of ADPKD varies between countries. However in Senegal, less than one percent (1%) of the haemodialysis population undergoes ADPKD. The exact prevalence of the disease is very difficult to estimate, and patients referred to nephrology centres are probably only the tip of the iceberg.

Patients and Method: We conducted a retrospective, descriptive and analytical study over a 12-year period included all medical records of patients with ADPKD followed in the nephrology department of Aristide Le Dantec Teaching Hospital in Dakar.

Results: The overall prevalence was 1.36% with an incidence of 14 new cases/year. The mean age of the patients was 59.5 ± 6,4 years with a female predominance (59%). High Blood Pressure (HBP), low back pain and enlarged kidneys were found in 46.5%, 36.2% and 22.4% respectively. Extra-renal cysts were found in the liver (69%), spleen (3.4%) and ovaries (1.7%). Progression to ESRF was noted in 21% of patients and 9% were put under chronic haemodialysis. Urinary tract infection was found in 12% and intracystic haemorrhage in 3.4%. Death occured in three patients (5.1%).

Conclusion: ADPKD is not very well described in black people. Our study showed that in Senegal its prevalence is increasing compared to previous years.

Keywords: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease ; High Blood Pressure ; Extra-renal cysts ; end-stage renal disease.