Cyst sclerotherapy with minocycline hydrochloride in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND

The enlarged cysts in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) frequently cause abdominal discomfort. Cyst sclerotherapy with minocycline hydrochloride was performed to relieve this symptom.

METHODS

Ten symptomatic ADPKD cases were recruited. As a sclerosant, minocycline hydrochloride solution (10 mg/dl) was used. This solution was instilled into the cysts under ultrasonographic control. Renal volume was calculated before therapy and at 6-month intervals thereafter. Renal function and blood pressure were regularly monitored. The effect of sclerotherapy on symptoms was also assessed at 6-month intervals.

RESULTS

At 6 months, renal volume was statistically lower than the presclerotherapy, and was associated with improvement in chronic symptoms. However, such ameliorating effects were blunted at 12 months. Renal volume reduction at 6 and 12 months showed a significant positive correlation with the dose of minocycline injected. No significant influence in renal function and blood pressure was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that cyst sclerotherapy with minocycline hydrochloride is a valid treatment regime for the relief of chronic symptoms in ADPKD cases, although repeated application of this approach may be required to obtain a more long-term effect.