#OneInAThousand, Raise Awareness of Polycystic Kidney Disease

Abdi İbrahim Otsuka states that polycystic kidney disease, a hereditary condition seen in one out of every 10 people in Turkey, progresses to dialysis or kidney transplant if left untreated. Abdi İbrahim Otsuka Medical Directorate aims to raise awareness through the #bindebirdeme film campaign prepared to draw attention to polycystic kidney disease (PKD) on 10 May Polycystic Kidney Disease Day. The Medical Directorate of Abdi İbrahim Otsuka announced in a statement made on 10 May Polycystic Kidney Disease Day that polycystic kidney disease can be seen in 1 out of every 1,000 healthy people in Turkey. In the statement, polycystic kidney disease, one of the most frequently seen and life-threatening hereditary conditions, was highlighted, and the risks of the disease were emphasized through the film prepared under the #bindebirdeme hashtag on social media platforms. In the statement noting that untreated polycystic kidney disease results in dialysis or kidney transplant in one out of every 7 cases, attention is drawn to the fact that the disease's progression can be slowed with early diagnosis and treatment.

"Affecting work life and physical activities"

In the statement noting that polycystic kidney disease is one of the most frequently seen rare diseases leading to kidney failure like diabetes, high blood pressure and glomerulonephritis, the following information was provided: "In polycystic kidney disease, numerous cysts develop in both kidneys and as these cysts grow over time, a decline in kidney function is observed over the years. This disease, which occurs with equal frequency in women and men, results in the formation of numerous cysts in the kidney. The cysts that form gradually grow larger, eventually transforming the kidney into an organ composed entirely of cysts. 88% of polycystic kidney disease patients experience severe pain and weakness to a degree affecting their work life and physical activities, while there is a marked decrease in expectations for healthy living, having children and maintaining quality of life. Due to uncertainty about the future of the disease, anxiety, worry and depression symptoms are frequently encountered in people with this disease, and according to research conducted, 56% of patients feel helpless."

Symptoms of polycystic kidney disease:

• High blood pressure
• Back or side pain
• Abdominal swelling
• Blood in urine
• Frequent urination
• Kidney stones
• Urinary tract or kidney infections

  The statement emphasizes that in some cases, people live with polycystic kidney disease for years without any symptoms and without knowing they are ill. It is also warned that if symptoms such as high blood pressure, abdominal swelling, blood in urine, back or side pain, or kidney stones appear, a nephrologist must be consulted.