Anterior-posterior Pelvic Diameter Research Articles

Functional Magnetic Resonance Urography in Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction: Proposal for a Pediatric Quantitative Score.

Background:Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is one of the most frequent causes of congenital hydronephrosis. It is essential to distinguish UPJO which needs surgical treatment. fMRU combines high quality morphological details of the kidney and excretory pathways with functional data.ObjectiveThis study aims to introduce a new radiological score based on fMRU findings to be able to differentiate surgical from non-surgical kidneys.Materials and MethodsWe retrospectively selected patients with hydronephrosis due to UPJO who underwent fMRU (January 2009–June 2018). A multidisciplinary team identified a list of fMRU morpho-functional predictive variables to be included in the analysis. To evaluate the role of different independent variables in predicting the outcome, a multivariable logistic regression model has been performed; the outcome variable was the surgical intervention. For each predictive variable, Odds Ratio and 95% Confidence Intervals were calculated. The likelihood ratio test was used to assess the significance of the variables. Using the regression model, we assigned a numerical value to each predictive variable, rounding up the beta-coefficients. The cut-off value of the total score was obtained from the ROC curve analysis.ResultsA total of 192 patients were enrolled, corresponding to 200 pathological kidneys. All of them underwent fMRU; 135 were surgically treated, while 65 underwent ultrasound or MRU follow-up. Predictive variables significantly associated with surgery resulted to be the urographic phase, the presence of abnormal vessels, and a baseline anterior-posterior pelvic diameter >23 mm. Beta coefficients of the logistic regression model were then converted in scores. The ROC curve of the score showed high sensitivity (84.3%) and specificity (81.3%) with a cut-off > 2.5.ConclusionsWe propose a new fMRU score able to identify surgical vs. non-surgical kidneys with UPJO.

Primary obstructive megaureter in children; 10 years' experience from a tertiary care center.

Introduction:Primary obstructive megaureter (POM) is a congenital dilatation of the ureter due to an adynamic segment of vesicoureteric junction obstruction. Surgical intervention is needed if nuclear scan shows obstructive curve. We analyzed our data and outcome of conservative and surgical treatment in such cases at our tertiary care hospital.Materials and Methods:We evaluated all cases of POMs during the study period. Investigations included ultrasonography (USG), voiding cystourethrogram, diethylene pentacetic acid (DTPA) scan, and dimercaptosuccinyle acid scan. In antenatal cases, any pelvic dilatation ≥12 mm after 6 weeks were subjected to reonography. Patients with anterior-posterior pelvic diameter (APPD) ≥12 mm had to undergo DTPA scan to look for DRF and drainage. Follow-up USG was done in all cases of mild-to-moderate hydroureteronephrosis, with APPD <12 at 3 months interval.Results:A total of 270 megaureters were registered and treated during the study period (2008–2019). The total number of patients included was 50 (64 ureters). The mean age of presentation in these 30 children was 21.78 ± 18.1 months (range 1–72 months) and the mean weeks of gestation in antenatal cases at presentation as megaureter was 24 ± 7 weeks (range 13–37 weeks). The mean weight of babies was 2.72 ± 0.7 g. The duration of follow-up ranged from 16 to 1W12 months. The mean APPD on the affected side was 19.99 ± 10.3 mm (range 11–43 mm). The mean ureteric diameter was 1.67 ± 0.33 mm (range 0.78–2.66 cm). The mean split function of patients with POM was 34.88% ± 11.5% on the affected side. Twenty patients (40%) had spontaneous resolution over a mean time period of 24.1 ± 11.1 months. Thirty patients underwent surgical procedures. In three children, HTN was observed over a mean follow-up period of 3 years.Conclusion:The babies with POM need a close follow-up. Surgery is indicated in prolonged t½/Tmax on renal scan, function <40% at the initial scan, or >5% split function deterioration in the subsequent renal scan.

Safety and Efficiency of Pyeloplasty in The First Six Weeks of Infants' Life.

The aim of this study was to assess the safety and the efficiency of pyeloplasty in infants with ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) in the first six weeks of their life. Clinical records of the patients who had surgery during first six weeks of life for UPJO between June 2009 and June 2014 were analysed retrospectively. In this period, twenty-six dismembered pyeloplasties were performed in twenty-four patients on mean operation age of 27.3 ± 10.2 days (range 8-42 days). On the first postnatal ultrasound all twenty-six renal units had SFU-4 hydronephrosis. Mean preoperative and postoperative anterior-posterior pelvic diameter and parenchymal thickness were 33.1 ± 8.9mm (range 14-49mm), 3.2 ± 1mm (range 1-4,6mm) and 14.7 ± 6.6mm (range 6-27mm) and 7.8 ± 1.9mm (range 3.0-10.4mm), respectively. The differences between preoperative and postoperative parenchymal thickness and anterior-posterior pelvic diameter were statistically significant (P ˂ 0.0001). Preoperative MAG3 dynamic renal scintigraphy showed obstructive pattern on the diuretic renogram in 26 units. Mean preoperative and postoperative differential renal function on dynamic renal scintigraphy of the affected renal units were 46 ± 15 and 44 ± 15, respectively. Postoperative drainage was normal on dynamic renal scintigraphy in 25 (96.2%) of the 26 units, redo-pyeloplasty was needed in only one unit (3.8%). In conclusion, patient selection and timing of surgery are very important in the protection of renal function in newborn with UPJO. In our opinion, if there is indication for surgery, early surgical intervention should not postpone in this period. Surgical treatment of UPJO during first six weeks of life is safe and effective.

Five years’ experience of laparoscopic-assisted dismembered pyeloplasty versus open dismembered pyeloplasty

Purpose Pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) in children has traditionally been performed using an open technique. However, the large lumbar incision in open pyeloplasty necessitates several weeks before a return to normal activity and requires significant tissue retraction to expose the field; hence, the damage is often more than that anticipated. We present our long-term experience with laparoscopic-assisted pyeloplasty in the treatment of UPJO, to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and long-term outcome of this technique in children. Patients and methods In total, 40 children with UPJO requiring operative repair were included in the study. Twenty patients with UPJO were randomly selected to undergo open dismembered pyeloplasty (group A) and the remaining 20 patients to undergo laparoscopic-assisted dismembered pyeloplasty (group B) at the Pediatric Surgery Department between January 2013 and December 2017. All patients were followed-up for 5 years postoperatively. The outcome was measured by the ultrasonography and diuretic renography with resolution of obstructive symptoms. Results The mean laparoscopic procedure time was 25 min. There was a slight relationship between age and operative time. No major perioperative complications occurred in any cases. Renal pelvic anterior–posterior diameter at postoperative ultrasonography significantly decreased (P<0.05). Postoperative split renal function on diuretic renography significantly improved. Overall, successful resolution of UPJO was observed in all patients. Conclusion Laparoscopic-assisted pyeloplasty appears to be a safe, feasible, and effective alternative to open pyeloplasty in children. There are shorter operative times in the laparoscopic-assisted pyeloplasty and shorter overall hospitalization. It avoids large lumbar incision and gives excellent functional and cosmetic results. Keywor ds : laparoscopy-assisted pyeloplasty, minimally invasive surgery, ureteropelvic junction obstruction

Frequency of postnatal hydronephrosis in infants with a renal anterior–posterior pelvic diameter > 4 mm on midtrimester ultrasound

ObjectiveTo examine the association of antenatal renal pelvic dilatation observed on midtrimester ultrasound screening with the presence of hydronephrosis in newborn infants. Materials and methodsThe records of patients who received fetal ultrasound examination at 18–28 weeks' gestation from May 2008 to March 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. A fetal renal pelvic anterior–posterior (AP) diameter > 4 mm was considered abnormal and ≤ 4 mm was considered normal. On postnatal ultrasound, a renal pelvic AP diameter > 3 mm was considered to indicate hydronephrosis and ≤ 3 mm was considered normal. The association of postnatal hydronephrosis with prenatal pelvic AP diameter was determined using binary logistic regression analysis. ResultsThe study comprised 1310 newborn infants: 684 (52.2%) male and 626 (47.8%) female. Multivariate analysis showed a right or left prenatal AP renal pelvic diameter > 4 mm was associated with a higher risk of postnatal hydronephrosis compared with a right and left prenatal AP renal pelvic diameter ≤ 4 mm. Boys had a higher risk for postnatal hydronephrosis than girls (odds ratio = 2.42, p < 0.05). ConclusionAn antenatal renal pelvic AP diameter > 4 mm on midtrimester ultrasound is predictive of postnatal hydronephrosis.

Prenatal sonographic predictors of postnatal pyeloplasty in fetuses with isolated hydronephrosis.

To define prenatal sonographic predictors of ureteropelvic junction obstruction requiring postnatal pyeloplasty, in fetuses with isolated hydronephrosis. Retrospective data on prenatal sonographic parameters were compared between patients who had been diagnosed prenatally with hydronephrosis and either underwent postnatal pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (n = 39) or were treated conservatively (n = 30). Significant differences between the surgically and conservatively treated patients were found for mean anterior-posterior renal diameter (22.8 ± 8.6 vs 14.2 ± 5.9 mm, respectively, p < 0.0001) and parenchymal thickness (5.9 ± 2.8 vs 8.1 ± 2.6 mm, p = 0.009). Anterior-posterior diameter >14 mm was the best single predictor of the need for surgery (area under the ROC curve, 0.817), with sensitivity 77%, specificity 69%, positive predictive value (PPV) 77% and negative predictive value (NPV) 69% (β = 1.17, 95%CI = 1.07-1.28, p < 0.001). Mean ratio of anterior-posterior diameter to parenchymal thickness was significantly higher in the postnatal pyeloplasty group (5.4 ± 4.5 vs 2.1 ± 1.4, p = 0.0001). A ratio >2.1 had a sensitivity of 87% and specificity of 65% for the need for surgery (area under the curve 0.822, PPV 79%, NPV 77%; β = 1.92, 95%CI = 1.16-3.17, p < 0.001). In cases of prenatal isolated hydronephrosis, the pelvic anterior-posterior diameter and parenchymal thickness may predict the need for postnatal pyeloplasty. A ratio of >2.1 of pelvic anterior-posterior diameter to parenchymal thickness suggests ureteropelvic junction obstruction and supports the use of more intensive prenatal and postnatal surveillance.

Clinical importance of pyelocalyceal dilation diagnosed by postnatal ultrasonographic screening of the urinary tract

BackgroundUltrasonographic (US) screening of the urinary tract (UT) in infants was used to determine if there is a connection between the frequency of pyelocaliceal dilation (PCD) in asymptomatic infants with normal antenatal US screening and occurrence of congenital anomalies of kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) and urinary tract infections (UTI).Material/MethodsUS screening of the UT was performed on 1000 healthy infants, 7 days to 6 months old. Two subgroups of kidneys were described: subgroup 1 contained kidneys with anterior posterior pelvic diameter (APPD) of 5–9.9 mm, and subgroup 2 with APPD over 10 mm. US examinations and methods for detection of UTI and CAKUT were used.Results PCD was found in 74 infants (7.4%): 1.9% of infants had CAKUT, and 8.4% had UTI. In subgroup 1, CAKUT was found in 4 (6.3%) and UTI in 9 (14.3%) infants. In subgroup 2, CAKUT was found in 6 (54.5%), and UTI in 4 (36.4%) infants.ConclusionsMild PCD significantly increases the risk for CAKUT but not for UTI. Moderate to severe PCD significantly increases risk for both CAKUT and UTI. The postnatal US screening of UT is recommended for improved detection of PCD and associated CAKUT. Indirectly, postnatal US screening of UT can help in detecting people at risk for UTI in the first year of life, and therefore help prevent possible kidney damage.

Ultrasonography score in comparison with pelvic anterior posterior diameter for the prognostic evaluation of fetal hydronephrosis

Objective To determine whether prenatal ultrasonography (US) score is more effective than renal pelvic anterior posterior diameter (PAPD) for the prognostic evaluation of fetal hydronephrosis.Methods Fetuses with hydronephrosis (PAPD≥ 10 mm) were examined by prenatal US in the third trimester.PAPD,renal parenchyma thickness (RPT) and pelvicaliceal morphology (PM) were measured and graded from 0 to 3 score on the basis of severity of hydronephrosis,then the total US score of each kidney was obtained.According to the follow-up results after birth,all the cases were divided into two groups:physiological and pathological hydronephrosis.Via Z test,paired comparison was made to analyze area under the curve (AUC) of US score and each of the other three factors.Results Confirmed by postnatal US and other clinical examinations,of 198 kidneys (158 cases ) with hydronephrosis,139 (70.20％ ) were physiological hydronephrosis and 59 (29.80％ ) were pathological hydronephrosis.AUC of PAPD,RPT,PM,US score was 0.897 (minimum),0.957,0.944 and 0.982 (maximum) respectively,and there was significant difference between AUC of US score and each of the other three ( P ＜0.05).US score was the best approach for differential diagnosis of fetal hydronephrosis.Conclusions Prenatal US score is more effective and accurate than the single factor (PAPD,RPT,PM) to differentiate fetal physiological and pathological hydronephrosis.It was a new quantitative method to evaluate the prognosis of fetal hydronephrosis,and should be disseminated and applied clinically. Key words: Ultrasonography; Fetus; Hydronephrosis

Natural history of bilateral mild isolated antenatal hydronephrosis conservatively managed

The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and outcome of newborns with bilateral mild isolated antenatal hydronephrosis managed with neither antibiotic prophylaxis nor voiding cystourethrography (VCUG). Inclusion criteria were ultrasonographic evidence of an anterior-posterior pelvic diameter (APPD) of 5-15 mm at the third trimester of gestation and on the first postnatal ultrasound sonogram. Exclusion criteria were an APPD >15 mm, calyectasis, hydroureteronephrosis, or renal or bladder abnormalities. Ultrasound follow-up was performed. Parents were familiarized with the signs of urinary tract infection (UTI). If UTI was confirmed, VCUG was performed. The outcome was assessed as intrauterine resolution of hydronephrosis, total or partial resolution, stability, or progression. Hydronephrosis was bilateral in 98 of the 236 newborns (196 hydronephrotic kidneys) with mild isolated antenatal hydronephrosis enrolled in this study. Nine patients had UTI, and none showed reflux. After a mean follow-up of 15 months, 74 kidneys showed intrauterine resolution (38%), 82 (42%) showed total resolution, 13 showed partial resolution, 24 were stable, and 3 showed progression. Bilateral cases represented 42% of mild isolated antenatal hydronephrosis. During the first year of life, 80% of the kidneys showed total hydronephrosis resolution, 9% of patients had UTI, and none of the patients showed reflux. Antibiotic prophylaxis and VCUG are not mandatory in newborns with bilateral mild isolated antenatal hydronephrosis, but clinical and ultrasound follow-up are recommended during the first year of life.

Short-term outcome of mild isolated antenatal hydronephrosis conservatively managed

ObjectivesTo assess the outcome of newborns with mild isolated antenatal hydronephrosis (MIAHN) managed with neither antibiotic prophylaxis nor voiding cystourethrography (VCUG). Material and methodsInclusion criteria: anterior-posterior pelvic diameter 5–15 mm at third trimester of gestation, confirmed by first postnatal ultrasound. Exclusion criteria: pelvic diameter > 15 mm, calyectasis, hydroureteronephrosis, renal or bladder abnormalities. Clinical and ultrasound follow-up was performed. Parents were familiarized with urinary tract infection (UTI) signs. If UTI was confirmed, VCUG was performed. Hydronephrosis outcome was assessed as intrauterine resolution, total or partial resolution, stability or progression. ResultsMIAHN was detected in 193 newborns (109 unilateral, 84 bilateral; 277 renal units); 23 (12%) had UTI and 2 of them showed low-grade reflux. After a mean follow-up of 15 months, 91 renal units showed intrauterine resolution (33%), 111 (40%) total resolution, 20 (7%) partial resolution, 52 (19%) stability and 3 (1%) progression. ConclusionTotal resolution of hydronephrosis was observed in 73% of renal units during the first year. Routine antibiotic prophylaxis and VCUG might not be necessary in all infants with MIAHN, clinical and ultrasound follow-up being advisable during the first year of life.

Ultrasound score: a new method to differentiate fetal physiological and pathological hydronephrosis

Objective To determine whether the prenatal ultrasound (US) score can effectively differentiate fetal physiological and pathological hydronephrosis. Study design 158 fetuses (198 kidneys) with hydronephrosis (PAPD ≥ 10 mm) were diagnosed by prenatal US in the third trimester. We measured and recorded three US parameters: renal pelvic anterior posterior diameter (PAPD), renal parenchyma thickness and pelvicaliceal morphology. They were graded with a score from 0 to 3 on the basis of severity of hydronephrosis, and the total US score of each kidney was obtained. According to the postnatal US and clinical diagnosis and management, all the cases were divided into two groups: physiological and pathological hydronephrosis. Using receiver operating characteristic curves analysis, we researched whether the US score was more accurate than each parameter and which was the best cut-off value for differential diagnosis of physiological and pathological hydronephrosis. Results Of all the 198 hydronephrosis, 139 (70.20%) were physiological and 59 (29.80%) were pathological confirmed postnatally. Area under the curve of US score was 0.982, which was significantly larger than that of each parameter ( P < 0.05). The higher the score, the higher the possibility of pathological hydronephrosis was. Score 6 was the best cut-off value: the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, consistency rate and Youden's index were 89.83%, 94.24%, 86.89%, 95.62%, 92.93% and 0.8407, respectively. Conclusion Prenatal US score is easy to obtain by measuring some data of the kidney and can effectively differentiate fetal physiological and pathological hydronephrosis. It can also be used as a new quantitative method to evaluate the prognosis of fetal hydronephrosis so as to provide reference for prenatal intervention and more accurate information for the family of the fetus.

Screening Ultrasound in Follow-up After Pediatric Pyeloplasty

To investigate whether an initial ultrasound (US) adequately identifies those patients who need further investigation and possibly intervention while decreasing instrumentation and radiation exposure. The recommended imaging after pediatric pyeloplasty has included intravenous pyelography, radionucleotide renography, and ultrasound US. We retrospectively reviewed pediatric open pyeloplasty cases performed between 1999 and 2007. Of 116 patients reviewed, 49 met the inclusion criteria of unilateral pyeloplasty with pre- and postoperative US and mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG-3). Hydronephrosis was judged by anterior posterior pelvic diameter and caliectasis. Change in renal function on MAG-3 was defined as increase or decrease in function >5%. Of 49 patients, 42 (85.7%) showed improved or stable hydronephrosis postoperatively and 7 (14.3%) showed increased hydronephrosis. Forty-six (93.8%) patients had either improved or stable renal function. Of 42 patients with stable or improved hydronephrosis, 41 (97.6%) also had stable or improved function. Comparatively, of 7 patients with increasing hydronephrosis, 2 (28.6%) showed deteriorated renal function, P = .05. Postpediatric pyeloplasty imaging should aim to identify those who require further intervention. Our data demonstrate that at-risk patients can be identified with a sentinel US and selectively determine who needs further MAG-3 investigation. This should increase compliance while decreasing costs, instrumentation, and radiation exposure.

Laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children

To present our initial experience with laparoscopic pyeloplasty and to evaluate the safety and short-term outcome of this technique in children. Thirteen kidney units in twelve children underwent laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty for the management of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) at our institution between 2005 and 2008. Patient age at surgery was 18-177 months (mean 89.8 months). There were six boys and six girls. Ten had unilateral UPJO with a normal contralateral kidney, one had bilateral UPJO and one had UPJO of a solitary kidney. We used 3- and 5-mm instruments for grasping, blunt dissection, incising and suturing to facilitate safe and precise surgery. The outcome was measured by the operative time and resolution of obstruction and symptoms. Median operative time was 275 min (range 154-420). There was a slight relationship between age and operative time. No major perioperative complications occurred in any cases. Median renal pelvic anterior-posterior diameter at ultrasonography significantly decreased from 8.6 cm (range 3.8-22.0) preoperatively to 3.9 cm (1.0-8.9) postoperatively (P < 0.05). The median pre- and postoperative split renal function on diuretic renography in unilateral cases was 37.3% (range 29.7-46.4) and 39.5% (27.8-48.0), respectively. Overall, successful resolution of UPJO was observed in 12 of 13 kidneys (92.3%). Laparoscopic pyeloplasty represents a safe and effective option in the surgical treatment of children with UPJO.

Postnatal assessment of growth, nutrition, and urinary tract infections of infants with antenatally detected hydronephrosis

The widespread utilization of prenatal ultrasonography and the detection of antenatal hydronephrosis (AH) have raised the importance of postnatal follow-up of these infants. In this study, we aimed to determine the importance of an early diagnosis for the treatment of urinary tract malformations (UTM) as well as the postnatal evaluation of growth and nutrition status and the frequency of urinary tract infection (UTI) in infants with AH. We evaluated 246 infants (183 boys, 63 girls) whose routine antenatal scans showed an anterior-posterior pelvic diameter (APPD) ≥5 mm. Of the 246 patients, 175 (71.1%) were found to be pathological and 71 were evaluated as normal after the follow-up period. The median follow-up periods of normal and abnormal cases were 45.7 and 43.4 months, respectively. All cases with or without UTM were evaluated in terms of UTI, scars on DMSA, growth [Height Z score (HZ), Weight Z score (WZ)] and nutrition [Weight height index (WHI)] status. The annual UTI frequency was higher in cases with UTM (1.32 ± 1.66 episode/year) than in cases without abnormality (0.27 ± 0.67 episode/year) (P < 0.001). The postnatal evaluation of growth and nutritional status in children with UTM (mean WHI, HZ, and WZ scores: 96.82 ± 10.21, 0.03 ± 0.54 and 0.04 ± 0.61, respectively) was found to be significantly worse than in cases without abnormality (102.25 ± 9.84, 0.14 ± 0.64 and 0.24 ± 0.76, respectively), (P < 0.05). In abnormal patients, the mean WHI, HZ, and WZ were significantly improved to 101.63 ± 9.75, 0.26 ± 1.07, and 0.28 ± 0.98, respectively, and HZ or WZ scores were found to be similar when compared to normals. In conclusion, postnatal early management of infants with AH seems to prevent frequent UTIs and nutritional disturbances enabling normal growth.

Antenatal renal pelvis dilatation emphasizing vesicoureteric reflux: two-year follow-up of minor postnatal dilatation

Aim: To describe the occurrence of foetal renal pelvis dilatation in an unselected population of pregnancies and to describe the clinical course in a subgroup of infants with minor renal pelvis dilatation (RPD). Methods: During 1996–1999 the foetuses of 17850 consecutive pregnant women were scanned with ultrasonography (USG) in the 16th–19th gestational week and later in the pregnancy when indicated. RPD was defined as anterior–posterior pelvic diameter ≤5mm. After birth all infants were examined with USG twice. If any postnatal USG showed RPD ≤10mm, extended radiological investigation was performed. Infants with pelvis dilatation <10 mm and no calyceal or ureteric dilatation were not investigated further and antibiotic prophylaxis was discontinued. The children were followed up at 2 y of age. Results: 109 foetuses (0.6%) with RPD were identified. Postnatally, 94/109 were available for follow-up: 43 had postnatal dilatation ≤10 mm and were investigated and treated according to clinical routine, while 51 had dilatation < 10 mm and were followed up after they had reached at least 2 y of age. No case of pyelonephritis was recorded. USG in 48/51 children was normal. Conclusion: The data indicate that infants with minor RPD do not constitute a risk group for renal morbidity and thus do not need antibiotic prophylaxis and extensive radiological examination.

1 year follow-up results of prenatally diagnosed unilateral hydronephrosis according to renal sonographic findings at 1 month of age

Purpose:The natural courses of prenatally diagnosed hydronephrosis(HN) are diverse. Our purpose was to determine if the findings of renal ultrasonography(USG) in patients with prenatal HN at 1 month of age can predict the 1 year follow-up results and determine the guideline of follow-up study. Methods:Among 462 hydronephrotic patients registered between 1996 and 2004, 153 unilateral hydronephrotic renal units were enrolled in this study, bilateral HN, vesicoureteral reflux and other associated anomaly were excluded. These were classified into four groups respectively, according to anterior posterior pelvic diameter(APPD) or Society for Fetal Urology(SFU) grading by USG findings at 1 month after birth. Renal USG and Tc99m-mercaptoacetyl triglycerine(MAG3) scan were done according to a set protocol. Results:Most cases improved or remained stationary. No one underwent an operation SFU grade 1,2 groups and only one case of SFU grade 3 group was operated. Thirty two cases(64 percent) were operated on among the 50 cases of SFU grade 4 group. 0/2(0 percent), 5/11(45.5 percent), 11/ 17(64.7 percent) and 16/20(80 percent) were operated on in each group with APPD 30 mm, and the operation risk is higher as the APPD is increased. Conclusion:In group with SFU grade below 3 and APPD below 10 mm, we can delay the follow- up study beyond existing set protocol. Operations are recommended immediately if diuretic renogram show the obstructive pattern or decreased renal function in SFU grade 4 group with APPD over 10 mm.

Outcome of isolated antenatal hydronephrosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Idiopathic antenatal hydronephrosis (IAHN), defined as antenatal hydronephrosis not associated with other morphologic renal tract abnormalities, is the most common abnormality detected by antenatal ultrasound. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the outcome of IAHN. We screened three databases and bibliographies to identify English-language original peer-reviewed papers that reported serial postnatal renal ultrasonography in children with IAHN. Patients who stabilized and/or improved were extracted and pooled according to the individual grading systems used by each study. A systematic analysis of data extracted from 25 articles revealed overall resolution of pelviectasis in milder cases of IAHN (Society of Fetal Urology [SFU] grade 1-2; anterior posterior pelvic diameter [APPD]<12 mm). In contrast, IAHN of higher severity (grades 3-4; APPD>12 mm) resolved with a lower frequency. Meta-analysis of data extracted from seven papers showed stabilization of pelviectasis in 98% of patients with grades 1-2 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.93-1.0; p =0.0008) and in 51% of patients with grades 3-4 (95% CI 0.34-0.68; p <0.00001). Grades 1-2 pelviectasis was five times more likely to stabilize than grades 3-4 pelviectasis (odds ratio [OR] 4.69; 95% CI 1.73-12.76; p =0.002). We conclude that in patients with IAHN and lesser degrees of pelvic dilatation, pelvic diameter decreases to the normal range or does not worsen with the vast majority of patients. Further studies are needed to define outcomes, particularly in more severe forms of IAHN.

The impact of fetal renal pelvic diameter on postnatal outcome.

To determine thresholds for the fetal renal pelvic anterior-posterior diameter (APD) predicting postnatal clinically relevant pelvicaliceal dilatation. One hundred and forty-eight infants whose prenatal sonography had identified an isolated uni- or bilateral fetal APD of > or = 4 mm before 33 and/or > or = 7 mm after 33 weeks' gestational age were investigated postnatally. On the basis of postnatal ultrasound examination, these infants were grouped according to the Society for Fetal Urology Grading System: no pelvic dilatation (n = 38); only pelvic dilatation (n = 59); pelvicaliceal dilatation (n = 33); pelvicaliceal and ureter dilatation (n = 18). Fetal pyelectasis of 7 mm was 89.3% sensitive and 78.9% specific < 33 weeks, and > or = 33 weeks pyelectasis of 10 mm was 88.4% and 78.6% in predicting subsequent postnatal pelvicaliectasis, respectively. Using a threshold of 4 mm < 33 weeks and 7 mm > or = 33 weeks yielded a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 18.7% and 47.8%, respectively. The median APD (range) at > or = 33 weeks was 19 mm (9-36 mm) in patients requiring surgery and 13 mm (7-21 mm) in conservatively treated patients (p = 0.001). Thirteen of fourteen patients with APD > or = 19 mm underwent surgery. Women with ultrasonographically detected prenatal fetal pelvic dilatation of > or = 4 mm before 33 weeks and of > or = 7 mm from 33 weeks onwards of gestation should have repeated prenatal ultrasound scans and a detailed postnatal evaluation. The dilatations of an APD > 4 mm before 33 weeks, which have disappeared at the post-33-week scan need no further investigation in the postnatal period.

Antenatal renal pelvis dilatation emphasizing vesicoureteric reflux: two-year follow-up of minor postnatal dilatation.

To describe the occurrence of foetal renal pelvis dilatation in an unselected population of pregnancies and to describe the clinical course in a subgroup of infants with minor renal pelvis dilatation (RPD). During 1996-1999 the foetuses of 17850 consecutive pregnant women were scanned with ultrasonography (USG) in the 16th-19th gestational week and later in the pregnancy when indicated. RPD was defined as anterior-posterior pelvic diameter > or = 5 mm. After birth all infants were examined with USG twice. If any postnatal USG showed RPD > or = 10 mm, extended radiological investigation was performed. Infants with pelvis dilatation < 10 mm and no calyceal or ureteric dilatation were not investigated further and antibiotic prophylaxis was discontinued. The children were followed up at 2 y of age. 109 foetuses (0.6%) with RPD were identified. Postnatally, 94/109 were available for follow-up: 43 had postnatal dilatation > or = 10 mm and were investigated and treated according to clinical routine, while 51 had dilatation < 10 mm and were followed up after they had reached at least 2 y of age. No case of pyelonephritis was recorded. USG in 48/51 children was normal. The data indicate that infants with minor RPD do not constitute a risk group for renal morbidity and thus do not need antibiotic prophylaxis and extensive radiological examination.

Renal function may not be restored when using decreasing differential function as the criterion for surgery in unilateral hydronephrosis.

To evaluate the use of decreasing differential function (DF) as an indication for surgery in children with congenital hydronephrosis followed according to a flow chart with repeated renography and ultrasonography. The hospital records of consecutive children (0-12 years old) who underwent an Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty between 1993 and 2000 were reviewed. Follow-up was recommended according to a flow chart, with isotope renography and ultrasonography at 1, 3 and 6 months, and at 1 (2), 3 and 5 years of age. The diagnosis and follow-up were often at the referring hospital. The criteria for surgery included a decrease in renographic DF of > 10% of DF, and a DF of < 42%, breakthrough pyelonephritis despite antibiotic prophylaxis, pain or an anterior-posterior pelvic diameter of > 50 mm. Fifty-two children with unilateral hydronephrosis were included; eight had surgery because of decreasing DF of the hydronephrotic kidney. Seven children had a prenatal diagnosis. Only one of these eight children was managed according to the recommended procedures for follow-up. In two and possibly three children there was significant irreversible kidney damage since the initial renography before surgery. In one child the initial renography was at 15 months and the DF was < 10%. There was a functional improvement after surgery in three children. Few children undergo surgery for decreasing DF of the hydronephrotic kidney in this study. Failure to adhere to the follow-up schedule was common; this may jeopardize kidney function when using decreasing DF as a criterion for surgery. Therefore, not complying (by medical staff or the patient) with the follow-up should be considered when using expectant management for asymptomatic hydronephrosis. The serious consequences for renal function of not complying with follow-up can be avoided by surgery if the patient risks renal functional deterioration, by close cooperation with medical staff at referring hospitals, and by close follow-up at an early age with renography and ultrasonography.