Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is an inherited disease of the kidneys that can cause an irreversible decline in kidney function leading to end-stage renal disease. It is one of the most common hereditary disorders. It is 10 times more common than sickle cell disease and 20 times more common than Huntington's disease. It affects about 1 in 400 to every 1 in 1000 live births and accounts for 8–10% of cases of end-stage renal disease. While the name ADPKD refers to cysts in the kidneys, it is actually a systemic disorder that is characterized by cyst formation in ductal organs and can include the liver, pancreas, brain, and arteries. This disorder can occur at any time in life, even in utero. Population studies show that ADPKD is rare in Africa and less common in American blacks than whites; however, the incidence of ESRD due to ADPKD is similar in blacks and whites in some studies.