Primary vesicoureteral reflux is an important cause of chronic renal failure in males

Abstract

It is known that primary vesicoureteral reflux is associated with chronic renal failure in children. However, extensive demographic information on this association is not available. The ItalKid Project is a prospective population-based chronic renal failure registry of 284 subjects with primary vesicoureteral reflux undergoing conservative treatment to evaluate the age at diagnosis, correlates, and severity of the disorder. In this issue, Marra et al report a predominance of males (77%), and that the early age at diagnosis suggests that congenital renal damage may be an important cause of chronic renal failure, particularly in males. Even with early diagnosis, progression of renal damage could not be prevented. Better understanding of the pathophysiology and developmental aspects is needed to improve prevention and therapy. Page 677