Treatment of vesicoureteral reflux in children using stabilized non-animal hyaluronic acid/dextranomer gel (NASHA/DX): A long-term observational study

Abstract

Objective Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) can be treated with open surgery, antibiotic therapy or endoscopic injection. A goal in children is to reduce the incidence of febrile urinary tract infections (UTIs). The present long-term observational study investigated outcomes and experiences of endoscopic treatment with stabilized non-animal hyaluronic acid/dextranomer, NASHA™/Dx. Patients and methods Children treated with NASHA/Dx between 1993 and 1998 were sent a questionnaire by mail in 2005. Patients included in the study ( n = 231) had VUR grade III–V before treatment and grade 0–II afterwards. Patients completed 21 questions, with parental assistance if required. The questionnaire assessed clinical outcome, and the attitudes of both patients and their parents to their experiences of treatment with NASHA/Dx gel. Patients reporting UTI after treatment were contacted and their records analyzed. Results Questionnaires were completed by 179 eligible patients. Most (72%) received a single injection of NASHA/Dx gel, and all experienced febrile UTI before treatment. After treatment, 45 patients (25%) experienced UTI; 25 of these reported fever. Patient records and telephone interviews revealed no evidence of febrile UTI in 19 cases; febrile UTI was confirmed in six cases, an incidence of 3.4%. When asked about the worst aspect of VUR treatment, 9% indicated treatment with NASHA/Dx compared to 19% for medication and 72% for voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG); parent-rated responses were 19%, 24% and 57%, respectively. Conclusions Endoscopic treatment with NASHA/Dx gel was associated with a low number of febrile UTIs following treatment, viewed positively and considered less bothersome than medication or VCUG. These findings support this treatment as a primary intervention for VUR.