Polycystic kidney disease and the flyer.

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a disorder occasionally detected in aircrew members. Complications associated with PKD include hypertension, urinary tract infections and calculi, and cerebral or abdominal aneurysms with the most frequent cause of death, uremia and renal failure. The prognosis for PKD is variable in that it is a benign disorder for some patients whereas others are fraught with these complications. Many airmen with PKD can continue with cockpit duties as long as there are no potentially incapacitating symptoms. Of particular importance is good blood pressure control for those with hypertension.