Is the recessive gene for asymptomatic polycystic kidney disease hereditary?

Jul 08, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Guang
Introduction
In general, even asymptomatic recessive genes for polycystic kidney disease may be inherited. Individuals with a family history of polycystic kidney disease are advised to undergo genetic counseling and gene testing before childbirth to determine their carrier status and assess the risk of their offspring developing the disease. During pregnancy, prenatal diagnostic techniques, such as amniocentesis, can be used to determine whether the fetus carries the disease-causing gene.

Generally, the recessive gene for polycystic kidney disease can also be inherited even when the disease is not manifested. The specific analysis is as follows:

The recessive gene for polycystic kidney disease can be inherited even in the absence of symptoms. Polycystic kidney disease follows a recessive inheritance pattern. When an individual carries a recessive disease-causing gene but does not exhibit symptoms, this recessive gene can still be passed on to the next generation through germ cells. If both parents carry the recessive gene, their children have a certain probability of inheriting both recessive genes, thereby developing polycystic kidney disease. Even if a child inherits only one recessive gene, although the disease may not manifest, the child will become a new carrier and continue to pass the gene to future generations.

Individuals with a family history of polycystic kidney disease are advised to undergo genetic counseling and gene testing before conception to clarify their carrier status and assess the risk of disease in their offspring. During pregnancy, prenatal diagnostic techniques, such as amniocentesis, can be used to determine whether the fetus carries the disease-causing gene, thus enabling informed reproductive decisions. Additionally, it is important to pay attention to kidney health in daily life and undergo regular physical examinations for early detection and intervention.