Risk factor analysis of irreversible renal dysfunction based on fetal ultrasonographic findings in patients with persistent cloaca: Results from a nationwide survey in Japan

Abstract

Aim of the studyWe conducted a nationwide survey of persistent cloaca (PC) to determine its current status in Japan. We focused on the relationship between fetal ultrasonographic findings and irreversible renal dysfunction in PC. MethodPatient information was obtained via questionnaire, and 466 PC patients were ultimately enrolled in this study. Fifteen patients (3.2%) who required dialysis or kidney transplantation were compared to those who were able to survive with their native kidney. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed using a logistic regression analysis to clarify the relationship between irreversible renal dysfunction and fetal ultrasonographic findings. ResultsA multivariable logistic analysis showed that fetal ultrasonic findings of oligohydramnios independently increased the risk of irreversible renal dysfunction (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 5.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7–20, p = 0.005). A regression analysis showed that fetal ultrasonographic findings of hydroureteronephrosis (crude OR 5.6, 95% CI 0.9–24, p = 0.03) tended to be associated with irreversible renal dysfunction. In the PC patients with oligohydramnios, however, the ultrasonographic findings and associated anomalies did not affect the renal prognosis. The 15 renal dysfunction patients were treated as follows: hemodialysis (n = 4), peritoneal dialysis (n = 3), living donor renal transplantation (n = 8), and cadaveric renal transplantation (n = 1). ConclusionFetal ultrasonographic findings of oligohydramnios increase the risk of irreversible renal dysfunction. Such findings suggest we consider the need for earlier therapeutic intervention, such as fetal and postnatal treatment, to prevent the progression of renal dysfunction. Level of evidenceIII (Study of diagnostic test, study of nonconsecutive patients and/or without a universally applied “gold” standard).