Kidney Shaped Like a Horse's Shoe: Symptoms, Root Causes, and Prognosis
Horseshoe kidney is a relatively rare congenital condition where a fetus's kidneys fuse together as they rise from the lower belly, forming a "U" shape. This condition, while not inherently dangerous, does raise the risk of certain complications.
In itself, horseshoe kidney is typically not harmful. However, treatment may be necessary if symptoms or complications arise. Tests such as an intravenous pyelogram, voiding cystourethrogram, radionuclide scan, blood tests, and scans like ultrasounds, MRIs, CTs, or X-rays can help determine if someone has horseshoe kidney.
Genetic factors play a significant role in the development of horseshoe kidney. Common genetic conditions associated with horseshoe kidney development include syndromes such as Kinship Syndrome and Kabuki Syndrome. Kinship Syndrome is linked to mutations in the AFF3 gene on chromosome 2q11.2, while Kabuki syndrome involves mutations in the KMT2D (Type 1) or KDM6A (Type 2) genes.
Environmental factors, while not well-established for horseshoe kidney directly, might indirectly contribute to congenital anomalies, including renal malformations. Exposure to certain drugs during pregnancy, such as thalidomide, and alcohol consumption during pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of horseshoe kidney.
Regular and excessive alcohol consumption can cause or worsen kidney health problems in people with horseshoe kidney. A balanced diet, with an emphasis on a variety of vegetables and fruits, grains, dairy, protein, healthy fats, and limiting added sugars, saturated fat, sodium, and alcohol, can help maintain kidney health.
People with horseshoe kidney do not have a reduced life expectancy, but they are at an increased risk of developing kidney cancer. Seven in ten people with horseshoe kidney experience symptoms, which can include abdominal pain and nausea, frequent urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and other complications. Complications of horseshoe kidney can include vesicoureteral reflux, ureteropelvic junction obstruction, hydronephrosis, polycystic kidney disease, renal hypertension, kidney cancer, and renal hypertension.
To mitigate the risks associated with horseshoe kidney, doctors may recommend wearing a medical alert bracelet, avoiding contact sports, having regular checkups, making medical professionals, teachers, and relatives aware of the condition. People with horseshoe kidney should always consult their doctor about potential interactions between medications and alcohol.
Renal fusion, the most common type of fused kidney problem, occurs in roughly 1 in every 500 people. If you suspect you or someone you know might have horseshoe kidney, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and management.
[1] Genetics Home Reference. (2021). Kabuki syndrome. https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/kabuki-syndrome [2] Genetics Home Reference. (2021). Kinsship syndrome. https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/kinsship-syndrome [3] National Organization for Rare Disorders. (2021). Kabuki Syndrome. https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/kabuki-syndrome/ [4] National Organization for Rare Disorders. (2021). Kinsship Syndrome. https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/kinsship-syndrome/ [5] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). Genetics of Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/genetics
- While horseshoe kidney isn't harmful in itself, it may raise the risk of certain medical-conditions, including chronic-kidney-disease, kidney cancer, and other complications.
- Genetic factors, such as mutations in the AFF3 gene for Kinship Syndrome and the KMT2D or KDM6A genes for Kabuki Syndrome, are significant in the development of horseshoe kidney.
- Regular consultations with medical professionals, regular checkups, and awareness among educators and relatives are crucial for people with horseshoe kidney, as they may have an increased risk of developing chronic-diseases.
- Environmental factors that might indirectly contribute to renal malformations include exposure to certain drugs during pregnancy, such as thalidomide, and alcohol consumption.
- A balanced diet and limiting alcohol consumption can help maintain kidney health, especially for individuals with horseshoe kidney, who have a higher risk of developing kidney cancer and other kidney-related complications.
