What is polycystic kidney, singer Chrystian’s genetic disease

Singer Chrystian, who formed a country duo with Ralf, died on Wednesday night (19), aged 67, after being admitted to Hospital Samaritano, in São Paulo. The information was confirmed by the artist’s family and team.

Chrystian was diagnosed with polycystic kidney, also known as polycystic kidney syndrome, a genetic disease that generates cysts in the organ.

In February 2024, the singer’s team announced that he would undergo a kidney transplant to treat the condition; the donor would be the artist’s wife, Key Vieira. A few days after the announcement, however, the surgery was postponed due to another medical procedure. The transplant was initially scheduled to take place at the end of the year.

What is polycystic kidney

According to Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, polycystic kidney syndrome is a hereditary disorder that causes cysts — abnormal, bubble-shaped formations that may contain fluid — in the kidneys. When cysts multiply and become more numerous, the organ can be damaged and its function compromised. The disease’s cysts are not cancerous.

The condition is genetic and considered very rare, according to information from the Rede D’or hospital group. Thus, it is generally passed from parents to children. In even rarer situations, it can appear spontaneously and randomly.

The disease progresses slowly, and many patients may never receive a diagnosis throughout their lives — or discover the condition at an advanced stage.

What are the symptoms?

The disease has several manifestations in the body. According to the North American hospital Mayo Clinic, some of the most common symptoms are:

• High pressure;
• Pain in the back or side of the body;
• Blood in the urine;
• Feeling of a full abdomen;
• Enlarged abdomen;
• Headaches;
• Kidney stones;
• Renal insufficiency;
• Kidney or urinary tract infections.

The presence of symptoms and the occurrence of the disease in a family member are warning signs to seek a specialized doctor.

Is there a prevention or cure for polycystic kidney?

There is no way to prevent the disease, but complications can be avoided by controlling blood pressure, which can protect the kidneys.

There is still no cure or specific treatment for the disease. Today, patients receive medications and undergo procedures that treat the symptoms of the disease. Medicines to control blood pressure and alleviate pain are the most common. Removal of cysts may also be indicated in some cases. When the kidney is damaged to the point of failure, patients may undergo hemodialysis to filter the blood or even organ transplant.

For people who have the genetic condition or have cases in the family, the Mayo Clinic also recommends some habits that can delay complications and improve quality of life:

• Take medication to control blood pressure as advised by your doctor;
• Eat little salt in a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains;
• Control weight according to medical advice;
• Avoid smoking;
• Limit alcohol consumption;
• Exercise regularly.

Chronic kidney disease is expected to become the fifth cause of death in the world by 2040

(Published by Everton Lopes Batista, with information from Gustavo Zanfer)