What impact does polycystic kidney disease have on renal function?

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is characterized by the development of numerous cysts in the kidneys, which results in kidney enlargement and ultimately leads to a gradual decline in renal function. As the cysts grow, they can exert pressure on the surrounding kidney tissue, disrupt normal kidney architecture, and impair the ability of the kidneys to filter blood effectively. Over time, this impaired function can lead to chronic kidney disease and the potential need for dialysis or kidney transplantation.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the primary impacts of PKD. While kidney infections can occur in individuals with PKD, they are not a direct consequence of the disease itself; rather, they may arise due to complications related to the kidney structure or urine flow. The notion that PKD would improve kidney efficiency is incorrect, as the disease inherently hinders kidney function due to the cystic structure. Lastly, while PKD can lead to end-stage renal disease over time, it does not completely stop kidney function immediately; it typically results in a gradual loss of function.