Polycystic kidneys do maintain good endocrine function.

ABSTRACT

We develop here the hypothesis that polycystic kidneys (PCK) may maintain, to a certain extent, the ability to perform endocrine functions. We know that patients with adult polycystic kidney disease (APCKD) produce more erythropoietin and maintain a higher hematocrit than patients with other primary diseases of the kidneys. It is possible that they synthesize more 1,25 and 24,25 Vit D3 and metabolize better the parathyroid hormone and other hormones. If it is correct, they may have fewer signs of secondary hyperparathyroidism and less bone marrow fibrosis which along with increased erythropoietin production would explain the higher hematocrit.