DNA diagnosis in families with autosomal dominant hereditary polycystic kidney disease

: In 1990-1992 110 patients with polycystic kidney disease adult type (ADPKD) were contacted. Forty-nine families were examined by Southern's RFLP method (standard probe 3'HVR and Pvu II restrictase). Of 424 members of these families only 25 (5.9%) refused the examination. So far 337 examinations were completed, 62 are under way. In 32 cases of 109 subjects at risk of 50% ADPKD the affection was proved with a probability higher than 95%, in 77 subjects (and 6 subjects with a 25% risk) were eliminated with an equal probability. In two families successful prenatal examinations of the foetus were accomplished. Evaluation of attitudes to DNA diagnostics revealed in our patients a greater willingness to attend postnatal examinations (up to 98%) and a smaller willingness to have prenatal examinations (21%), as compared with data published abroad.