High-grade Vesicoureteral Reflux Research Articles

Kidney Echogenicity and Vesicoureteral Reflux in Children with Febrile Urinary Tract Infection

To evaluate increased kidney echogenicity as a predictor of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in young children with first febrile urinary tract infection (UTI). We performed a single center retrospective study of hospitalized children with first febrile UTI diagnosed in accordance with the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines. All patients had kidney bladder ultrasound (KBUS) and voiding cystourethrography. Variables analyzed using χ2 test or Mann-Whitney U test as appropriate. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed for the abnormal KBUS findings and OR and 95% CI were calculated. Our cohort included 415 children (830 kidney units) with median age of 5months (1month to 5years) and 80% were female. One hundred thirty-two (31.8%) patients had abnormal KBUS, including increased echogenicity in 45 patients. Overall, 42.2% of patients with increased echogenicity had VUR vs 23.3% with normal ultrasound (P=.013) and 31.1% of patients with increased echogenicity had high-grade III-V VUR vs 8.1% with normal ultrasound (P=.001). In total, 24.3% of kidneys with increased echogenicity had VUR vs 20% with normal ultrasound (P=.246) and 20% of kidneys with increased echogenicity had high-grade III-V VUR vs 9.9%with normal ultrasound (P=.005). These data support adding increased kidney echogenicity to the list of other KBUS findings that arehelpful in decision making about a need for voiding cystourethrography in young children with first febrile UTI.

A machine learning-based approach for quantitative grading of vesicoureteral reflux from voiding cystourethrograms: Methods and proof of concept

The objectivity of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) grading has come into question for low inter-rater reliability. Using quantitative image features to aid in VUR grading may make it more consistent. To develop a novel quantitative approach to the assignment of VUR from voiding cystourethrograms (VCUG) alone. An online dataset of VCUGs was abstracted and individual renal units were graded as low-grade (I-III) or high-grade (IV-V). We developed an image analysis and machine learning workflow to automatically calculate and normalize the ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) width, ureterovesical junction (UVJ) width, maximum ureter width, and tortuosity of the ureter based on three simple user annotations. A random forest classifier was trained to distinguish between low-vs high-grade VUR. An external validation cohort was generated from the institutional imaging repository. Discriminative capability was quantified using receiver-operating-characteristic and precision-recall curve analysis. We used Shapley Additive exPlanations to interpret the model's predictions. 41 renal units were abstracted from an online dataset, and 44 renal units were collected from the institutional imaging repository. Significant differences observed in UVJ width, UPJ width, maximum ureter width, and tortuosity between low- and high-grade VUR. A random-forest classifier performed favourably with an accuracy of 0.83, AUROC of 0.90 and AUPRC of 0.89 on leave-one-out cross-validation, and accuracy of 0.84, AUROC of 0.88 and AUPRC of 0.89 on external validation. Tortuosity had the highest feature importance, followed by maximum ureter width, UVJ width, and UPJ width. We deployed this tool as a web-application, qVUR (quantitative VUR), where users are able to upload any VCUG for automated grading using the model generated here (https://akhondker.shinyapps.io/qVUR/). This study provides the first step towards creating an automated and more objective standard for determining the significance of VUR features. Our findings suggest that tortuosity and ureter dilatation are predictors of high-grade VUR. Moreover, this proof-of-concept model was deployed in a simple-to-use web application. Grading of VUR using quantitative metrics is possible, even in non-standardized datasets of VCUG. Machine learning methods can be applied to objectively grade VUR in the future.

Voiding cystourethrography in children: spectrum of findings with clinical correlation

Abstract Background Voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) is a gold standard diagnostic tool in the detection of lower urinary tract structural abnormalities in children. Objective To study the spectrum of different urinary tract abnormalities that could be detected in pediatric patients who underwent VCUG. Methods A retrospective study was carried at pediatric radiology unit Ain Shams university hospitals, starting from March 2019 till September 2019. Spectrum of findings were quantified in relation to patients’ symptoms. The number of true acquisitions and fluoroscopic frames, as well as the time of examination, were used as an indicator for radiation dose exposure. Results Out of 134 patients who were included in our study and underwent VCUG, the majority was males (n = 85, 63.4%) and patients who had more than 24 months and less than 216 months with median (IQR) 72 (48-108)months being (n = 82, 61.2%). We found that half of the cases had abnormal VCUG findings (n = 67, 50%). The most common abnormality was vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) (n = 38, 28.4%) followed by bladder abnormalities (n = 14, 10.5%).The commonest presented complaint was urinary tract infection symptoms (n = 58, 43.3%). Infants below 24 months of age showed more abnormal findings than older children. Males showed more abnormal findings than females. High-grade VUR (IV-V) was more frequent than low grade. Both recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) and bladder abnormalities were found to be strong predictors for VUR (p = 0.019 and 0.013, respectively). The median (IQR) of static films within patients who had abnormal VCUG findings was greater than the median (IQR) of static films within patients who had normal VCUG findings being 7.0 (7.0 – 8.0) versus 6.0 (5.0 – 7.0), respectively with a significant statistically difference (F = 6.571, p = 0.011). Conclusion VCUG can detect different lower urinary abnormalities in children. VUR is the commonest encountered finding during VCUG, especially among patients with recurrent UTI.

Endoscopic Management of Complicated Highgrade Vesicoureteral Reflux in the First Year of Life

Endoscopic Management of Complicated Highgrade Vesicoureteral Reflux in the First Year of Life

Vesicoureteral Reflux in Nonfunctioning Renal Allograft Incidentally Detected in a Posttransplant 99mTc-DTPA Scan: Significance of Postvoid Imaging.

In the present note, a case with rising serum creatinine shortly posttransplantation was referred for 99mTc-DTPA scan. The previous nonfunctioning renal allograft in the left hemipelvis showed no finding during dynamic phase of scan and filling phase of bladder but revealed a high-grade vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in postvoid image, which can be responsible, partly, for the patient's present and prior symptoms.

The impact of our acquired experience on endoscopic injection treatment outcomes of vesicoureteral reflux during the first ten years of practice

Introduction: Endoscopic injection treatment (EIT) for vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) correction is widely accepted as an optimal method for more than thirty years. However, it is still in its infancy in many pediatric surgical centers. It presents variable cure rates, with many factors affecting its successfulness. Objectives: We aimed to identify how accumulated endoscopic experience affected the VUR resolution success rates, in association with a variety of characteristics, since the beginning of practicing the technique. We attempt to improve patient selection. Patients and Methods: The outcomes of 53 children, corresponding to 78 refluxing ureteral units (RUUs), treated with endoscopic injection during the first years of practice (2010-2016), and 26 children with 42 RUUs during the latest years (2017-2020), were compared. Characteristics such as age, gender, VUR grades, preoperative voiding cystogram and dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy, side, laterality were analyzed in relation with outcome of the groups of the study population. Outcomes presenting statistically significant differences were considered related to experience. Results: Refluxing ureters of the second group presented significant improved endoscopic treatment success rates and also significant reduced need for open surgery. The second group of experienced performance presented significant improved success rates in younger children, in girls, in children with bilateral VUR or duplex ureteral system, and when reflux presented at the filling phase of voiding cystourethrogram. Furthermore, the second group of experienced performance presented significant improved success rates in ureteral units of a duplex system or with grade III and high grades IV-V VUR. Conclusion: Our initial experience with EIT has been promising. Boys, and children with bilateral VUR or duplex ureteral system should be treated by more experienced endoscopic surgeons. Furthermore, high grade VUR is a predisposing factor for endoscopic treatment failure, performing by less experienced surgeons. Pediatric surgeons must upgrade their learning curve, initiating their experience, and developing their surgical skills with more simple cases before expanding their practice to more complicated.

Low-Dose Antibiotic Prophylaxis Induces Rapid Modifications of the Gut Microbiota in Infants With Vesicoureteral Reflux.

Background and Objectives: Maturation of the gut microbiota (GM) in infants is critically affected by environmental factors, with potential long-lasting clinical consequences. Continuous low-dose antibiotic prophylaxis (CAP) is the standard of care for children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), in order to prevent recurrent urinary tract infections. We aimed to assess short-term GM modifications induced by CAP in infants.Methods: We analyzed the GM structure in 87 infants (aged 1-5 months) with high-grade VUR, previously exposed or naïve to CAP. Microbial DNA was extracted from stool samples. GM profiling was achieved by 16S rRNA gene-based next-generation sequencing. Fecal levels of short- and branched-chain fatty acids were also assessed.Results: 36/87 patients had been taking daily CAP for a median time of 47 days, while 51/87 had not. In all patients, the GM was predominantly composed by Bifidobacteriaceae and Enterobacteriaceae. Subgroup comparative analysis revealed alterations in the GM composition of CAP-exposed infants at phylum, family and genus level. CAP-exposed GM was enriched in members of Enterobacteriaceae and Bacteroidetes, especially in the genera Bacteroides and Parabacteroides, and showed a trend toward increased Klebsiella, often associated with antibiotic resistance. In contrast, the GM of non-CAP children was mostly enriched in Bifidobacterium. No differences were found in fatty acid levels.Conclusions: In infants with VUR, even a short exposure to CAP definitely alters the GM composition, with increased relative abundance of opportunistic pathogens and decreased proportions of health-promoting taxa. Early low-dose antibiotic exposure might bear potential long-term clinical risks.

Long-Term fate of the upper urinary tract and ITS association with continence in exstrophy patients

Scarce data is available in literature about the upper urinary tract outcomes of patients with Exstrophy-Epispadias Complex (EEC). After bladder closure during childhood, EEC bladders can become hostile to the upper tracts after bladder by exposing them to high pressures, leading to hydronephrosis (HN) and kidney damage. Similarly, vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) may be present and increase the likelihood for pyelonephritis. We sought to assess long-term upper urinary tract outcomes by evaluating renal function, HN and VUR; and to assess if upper urinary tract outcomes are associated with continence status. A retrospective review of EEC patients having ≥1 surger(y) (ies) at our institution from 1990 until 2019 was performed. Renal function was assessed by evaluating last available estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and creatinine values. HN was assessed on ultrasound and classified according to the SFU-classification. Patients with recurrent febrile urinary tract infections (UTI) or pyelonephritis underwent a voiding-cystourethrogram (VCUG) assessing VUR, graded following the 'International system of radiographic grading of VUR'. Descriptive and comparative statistical analysis were performed to assess if upper tract outcomes are associated with continence status. Forty-eight patients (75% male) had a median (IQR) follow-up of 18 (10-21) years. The table shows upper tract outcomes for the entire group and stratified by continence status. The median creatinine was 0.6 (0.2-0.9) mg/dL and median eGFR was 108 (72-160) mL/min/1.73m [2]. In two patients (4.2%), HN (SFU-grade 2) was detected. Thirty-six patients (75%) underwent VCUG, revealing high-grade VUR (stage IV-V) in 8 patients (17%) and low-grade VUR (stage I-III) in 7 patients (15%). Continence was associated with a higher need for VCUG (p=0.02) and a higher presence of VUR (p=0.03). Renal function in EEC patients and non-EEC patients is comparable when age matched. Only 6% had low-grade HN which was asymptomatic. 17% had high-grade VUR, which is little compared to literature (40-70%). However, results in literature are described in patients with a 'one-stage' bladder closure, whereas some of our patients had a 'two-stage' procedure. A one-stage procedure creates higher bladder pressures resulting in higher VUR-rates. Statistical analysis has showed that continence is associated with a higher prevalence of recurrent febrile UTI's or pyelonephritis and of VUR. No statistically differences were found between continent and incontinent patients concerning creatinine and eGFR value (p=0.52 and p=0.29), nor in the prevalence of hydronephrosis (p=0.36). However, results of this study suggest that continent patients may portend a higher risk of upper tract deterioration with recurrent febrile UTI's and pyelonephritis due to VUR. Close monitoring of the upper tract status is therefore as important as focus on continence. Large-scale prospective studies defining renal function as well as pyelonephritis rates are needed to optimize the management of the upper tracts in EEC patients.

Surgical technique of uretero-ileal anastomosis in patients with bilateral duplex ureters undergoing radical cystectomy and ileal conduit urinary diversion: initial experience

Background We present a simple technique for construction of wide ureteral plate, consisting of four ureters, incorporated in ureteroileal anastomosis of ileal conduit urinary diversion. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the charts of six cases of ureteral duplication (five bilateral and one unilateral) and muscle-invasive bladder cancer, treated with radical cystectomy and ileal conduit diversion, at our institution from 2015 to 2020. Briefly, our technique includes construction of wide ureteral plate, consisting of four ureters from two separate ureteral units, after previous construction of right and left ureteral plates for each unit, according to the standard Wallace technique. Additionally, during construction of definite ureteral anastomotic plate, we used a modified Wallace I technique consisted of eversion of posteromedial ureteral walls of both ureteral units, with muco-mucosal running suture. Results Four males and two females underwent radical cystectomy with ileal conduit for muscle invasive bladder cancer. A total of 12 complications (CDC I–III) were registered in 4/6 (66.6%) patients, whereby ten of them (83.3%) occurred within 90 days post-surgery. High-grade (CDC III) complications were registered in 33.3% of patients. Within the first three months post-surgery, hydronephrosis and high-grade vesicoureteral reflux were associated with pyelonephritis and observed in two patients (33.3%), while uretero-intestinal anastomotic stricture or leakage were not detected during follow-up in any patients. Conclusion Modified Wallace uretero-ileal anastomosis after radical cystectomy and ileal conduit urinary diversion is functionally and cosmetically effective way to treat patients with bilateral duplex ureters harbouring muscle invasive bladder cancer.

Pneumovesicoscopic Correction of Primary Vesicoureteral Reflux in Children: Our Initial Experience.

Purpose: The main objective of our prospective, descriptive, monocentric, longitudinal study is to demonstrate the feasibility of vesicoscopic cross-trigonal ureteral reimplantation under CO2 pneumovesicum in treatment on primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), analyze results, and specify the age limit of this approach. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 patients underwent transvesicoscopic ureteral reimplantation (33 boys, 27 girls) by the same surgeon from May 2011 to May 2015. All patients had primary VUR, and surgery was performed because of breakthrough urinary tract infection despite antibiotic prophylaxis and persistent high grade of VUR, especially in association with significant renal scarring, mean age at operation was 47.47 months (6 month-12 years). Of the 60 patients, 34 had bilateral reflux and 26 had unilateral reflux. The reflux grade in the total of 94 ureters was grade IV, V in 59.57%, grade III in 35.11%, and grade II in 5.32% in association with contralateral high-grade VUR. Results: The transvesicoscopic procedure was effectively completed in all patients without perioperative complication except one case of pneumoperitoneum that required exsufflation by open laparoscopy. The mean overall operative time decreased significantly with an average of 58.43 ± 11.26 minutes for unilateral reimplantation and 101.18 ± 26.5 minutes for bilateral reimplantation. The postoperative hospital stay was 3 days for all patients. The mean follow-up period was 3 years. Cystography was performed 3 months after surgery in all patients and showed the disappearance of VUR in 57/60 patients (95%) or 91/94 of ureters (97%). Persistent VUR was documented in 3 of 94 ureters and had resolved spontaneously at 12 months after reimplantation. Conclusion: Our preliminary results indicate that vesicoscopic ureteral reimplantation is safe and effective procedure with minimal morbidity when compared to traditional open method. It can be applied in children younger than 12 months.

Contrast-enhanced voiding urosonography in the diagnosis of intrarenal reflux.

Although contrast-enhanced urosonography (ceVUS) has shown capable diagnostic accuracy for the diagnosis of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in children, the ability of ceVUS to detect intrarenal reflux (IRR) is considered limited. The purpose of our study is to assess the ability of ceVUS to detect IRR as well as its association with age, gender, and the grade of VUR. This study included 5153 children who were referred to our clinic for ceVUS. All children underwent sonographic examinations, which were performed on a LOGIQ S8 machine equipped with dedicated software for contrast-enhanced studies with harmonic imaging. Standard ultrasound of the urinary tract was followed by bladder catheterisation and instillation of physiological normal saline and the US contrast medium (SonoVue®, Bracco). VUR was diagnosed by ceVUS in 1959 out of 5153 children (38%), of whom IRR was found in 233 of 1959 children (11.9%). A total of 285 ureteral units showing IRR were found. High grades of VUR (IV + V) with IRR were found in a total of 235 of 285 (82.81%) renal units. Bilateral IRR was found in 53 patients, usually with a high-grade VUR on both sides. Most children had VUR grade IV, predominantly those < 12months. The younger the child, the higher the likelihood of higher-grade VUR (p = 0.02). ceVUS, combined with harmonic imaging and second-generation ultrasound contrast media, enabled IRR detection in almost 12% of our patients with VUR. IRR is most commonly found in children under 1year of age with VUR grades IV and V.

Is ultrasonography mandatory in all children at their first febrile urinary tract infection?

This study investigated whether performing kidney ultrasound (KUS) only in children presenting either a pathogen other than E. coli at their first febrile urinary tract infection (fUTI) or experiencing fUTI recurrence would increase missed diagnoses of kidney anomalies. Patients aged 2-36 months with fUTI who underwent KUS evaluation from 2 January 2013 to 31 June 2018 were enrolled. Cystourethrography was performed after pathological KUS or recurring fUTIs. Thereafter, we retrospectively assessed the detection rate of kidney anomalies through performing KUS only in patients with atypical pathogen at first fUTI or with recurring fUTIs. In 263 patients included, the isolated pathogen was E. coli in 223 cases (84.8%) and atypical in 40 cases (15.2%). KUS detected kidney anomalies in 14/223 (6.3%) of fUTIs caused by E. coli and in 11/40 (27.5%) of fUTIs caused by an atypical pathogen (OR 5.5, 95%CI 2.5-14.5). Cystourethrography was performed in 40 patients and vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) found in 20 cases. None of the high grade VUR diagnoses or other kidney anomalies would have been lost through a different diagnostic protocol that required the presence of an atypical pathogen at the first fUTI or a fUTI recurrence to perform the KUS. A diagnostic protocol that requires presence of an atypical pathogen at the first fUTI or a second episode of fUTI to perform the KUS would allow a reduction in the number of negative ultrasounds with a negligible risk of missed diagnoses of kidney anomalies.

Effectiveness and risks of endoscopic management compared to vesicoureteral reimplantation in patients with high-grade vesicoureteral reflux: systematic review and network meta-analysis.

The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness and safety of endoscopic management compared to ureterovesical reimplantation in pediatric patients with high-grade vesicoureteral reflux in terms of urinary tract infection. We performed a network meta-analysis. We searched in MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, and CENTRAL. We included clinical experiments, quasi-experiments, and cohorts studies. The population was men and women between 1 month and 15years old. Patients had primary high-grade VUR diagnosed by voiding cystourethrography. The interventions were subureteric bulking agent endoscopic injection (polytetrafluoroethylene, hyaluronic acid, collagen, Dx/Ha, and PPC) vs vesicoureteral reimplantation (Cohen, Politano-Leadbetter, Glenn-Anderson, and Lich-Gregoir), and the primary outcome was urinary infections. Nine studies accomplished the inclusion criteria (seven observational and two clinical experiments). A total of 1448 renal units underwent surgical treatments for the correction of high-grade VUR. Regarding the primary outcome, we compared Dx/Ha with Cohen, Lich-Gregoir, and PPC, finding an RD of -0.02 (95%CI -0.09 to 0.06), RD of -0.02 (95%CI -0.10 to 0.07), and an RD of -0.03 (- 0.13 to 0.07), respectively.Conclusion: Our study showed that there were no differences in UTI episodes after VUR correction in patients undergoing endoscopic management compared with vesicoureteral reimplantation. What is Known: • Primary vesicoureteral reflux is one of the most common congenital anomalies of the urinary tract. • The clinical practice guidelines recommend the surgical management of patients with high-grade VUR. What is New: • There were no differences in UTI episodes after VUR correction in patients undergoing endoscopic management compared with vesicoureteral reimplantation.

Pediatrik Posttransplantasyon Renal Greftlerdeki Vezikoüreteral Reflü ve Sonuçları: Korkmalı mıyız?

Objective: Demographical, pre-transplantation and post-transplantation features and post-treatment results of four pediatric cases, who had vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in the graft kidney, were discussed. Methods: Transplantation age, primary diagnosis, VUR to pretransplantation in native kidneys, history of bladder dysfunction, bladder capacity, results of urodynamic studies, donor and its features, induction treatments and ongoing immunosuppressive treatments, acute rejection episodes, CMV and BK infections, VUR grade in the renal graft, DMSA results, treatment type and its outcomes, and the renal graft functions of four patients who underwent kidney transplantation at Tepecik Training and Research Hospital between 2008 and 2016 and for whom VUR was determined via voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) due to recurrent urinary tract infections, were evaluated. Results: All of four cases were female. Their mean transplantation age was 8.7 years (5-16). High grade (Grade 4) VUR was determined in the graft kidney in all but one. DMSA included multiple scar foci apart from one case having low grade VUR. Cases were primarily treated endoscopically and then by open surgery. Spontaneous recovery occurred in one case. Graft dysfunction was not observed in any of the cases. Conclusion: VUR is an important risk factor in recurrent urinary tract infections after post-transplantation. A special assessment should be done for the patient in the presence of VUR and conservative and surgical treatments should be executed together. It should be remembered that VUR can be spontaneously regressed by the bladder capacity increasing treatments and prophylaxis.

Primary Bilateral High-Grade Vesicoureteral Reflux in Children: Management Perspective.

ObjectiveVesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a common finding in the pediatric population with the risk of repeated infections and renal damage. There is little is known about the natural history of primary bilateral high-grade reflux. Herein we present our experience in the management of primary high-grade bilateral VUR and the long-term outcome of renal function in this specific group of patients.Materials and methodsWe retrospectively evaluated all patients with congenital bilateral VUR between 2006 and 2014. Records were reviewed for patient age at diagnosis, antenatal history, clinical presentation, the grade of VUR on voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG), presence of scars on dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scan, indications for surgical intervention, and surgical approaches. Clinical and radiological outcomes of this subgroup of patients were assessed.ResultsA total of 67 patients with bilateral VUR were identified, of whom 31 (20 boys and 11 girls) had primary high-grade (grade IV and V) bilateral VUR. The mean age at diagnosis was seven months. DMSA scans showed renal scars in 19 patients (61%) and eight of them were bilateral. Surgical intervention was necessary for 81% of patients with a success rate of 58% after endoscopic correction and 100% after reimplantation. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) developed in 13 patients (42%) after a mean follow-up of eight years.ConclusionsPrimary bilateral high-grade VUR carries a high rate of surgical intervention. The endoscopic correction has an acceptable success rate and efficient long-term outcome. Nevertheless, a significant proportion of patients progresses to CKD even after VUR management.

Ten years institutional experience with study of prognostic factors affecting renal outcome in children with posterior urethral valves

Background: Evaluation of our 10 year’s experience and analyze the prognostic factors affecting renal outcome in children with posterior urethral valves (PUV).Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 129 patients diagnosed and managed as posterior urethral valves from 2009 till 2019 in our institution age of presentation, signs and symptoms, anthropometry, surgical interventions, and biochemical investigations were recorded and data were analyzed on an excel spreadsheet.Results: Mean age of presentation was 3 years and mean follow up was 4 years. 99 underwent primary valve ablation and 30 patients underwent diversion as primary treatment, the most common presenting symptom was poor urinary stream (90), enuresis (88), and fever (60). Correlation of resolution of symptoms pre and postoperatively was statistically not significant. 26% patients developed chronic renal failure (CRF) and 8.5% patients progressed to end stage renal disease (ESRD). Correlation of mean nadir serum creatinine &gt;1 mg/dl (p=0.030), presence of protenuria (p=0.020), bladder dysfunction (p=0.029), bilateral high grade vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) (p=0.019), hypertension (p=0.01) was statistically significant. Correlation of age of presentation (p=0.341), outcome for patients treated with diversion or valve ablation in relation to CRF (p=0.239), incontinence (p=0.209), malnutrition (p=0.194) was statistically insignificant.Conclusions: Nadir serum creatinine &gt;1 mg/dl, presence of protenuria, bladder dysfunction, bilateral high grade VUR are significant prognostic factors affecting long term outcome in PUV. Early detection and timely management may lead to a better outcome in these patients.

Vesicoureteral Reflux: Special Considerations and Specific Populations

This review will hopefully serve as a brief update on the current approaches to vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) within the context of historical approaches to this disorder and dispelling some of the myths surrounding its treatment. There is also greater focus on certain populations with VUR that may (or may not) be at particular risk. Despite several large studies showing the benefit of antibiotic prophylaxis in preventing infections in VUR, there continues to be conflicting results in smaller scale studies or in regard to renal scarring that prevent its accepted use universally. Some of these conflicting results are a product of comparing a mixed population of individuals, as there are certain populations that seem to benefit from antibiotic prophylaxis and for which it should be considered. Similarly, surgical correction of VUR is not beneficial for many individuals even within certain higher risk populations, such as higher grade VUR, pre-pubertal females, and renal transplant recipients. Preceding febrile infections and the presence of renal scarring are two indicators of higher risk individuals. However, renal scarring in some individuals may not be secondary to infections. Therefore, an individualized approach to each patient with VUR is needed, with some needing treatment by surgery, some needing antibiotic prophylaxis, some needing optimal bladder care, and even others needing treatment of the sequelae of renal scarring.

Vesicoureteral Reflux and Renal Scarring in Children with Acute Pyelonephritis: the Role of Late 6-month Dimercaptosuccinic Acid Renal Scan

Purpose The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical utility of late 6-month dimercapto-succinic acid (DMSA) renal scan in predicting vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and long-lasting renal scars in children with first acute pyelonephritis (APN). Methods A retrospective case study of children admitted with APN from January 2010 to July 2017 was performed. The study included patients with voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) and acute and late 6-month DMSA scan. We analyzed the clinical, laboratory and imaging findings of patients with and without late cortical defects at 6 months and those with or without VUR. Results Among 145 children with APN, 50 (34.5%) had cortical defects on the late DMSA renal scan and 60 (41.4%) showed VUR. Thirteen of 38 (34.2%) children undergoing 18-month DMSA renal scan showed a long-lasting renal scars. Compared with children without late cortical defects, patients with late 6-month cortical defects had a higher incidence of VUR and long-lasting renal scars, and relapse of UTI (all P<0.05). In a multivariable analysis, both high-grade VUR and relapse of UTI were independently correlated with the presence of late 6-month cortical defects (P<0.05). Late cortical defects and relapse of UTI were also associated with the presence of VUR (P<0.05). Only the late 6-mo cortical defects was an independent predictor of long-lasting renal scars in children with APN (P<0.05). Conclusion An abnormal late 6-month DMSA renal scan may be useful in identifying VUR and long-lasting renal scars in children diagnosed with APN. Key words: Renal scarring; Acute pyelonephritis; Vesicoureteral reflux; Dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scan

High-grade vesicoureteral reflux in infants: Our experience with endoscopic subureteric injections.

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is the most common urological anomaly in pediatric patients. Management options for VUR vary from continuous antibiotic prophylaxis (CAP) to surgery via either endoscopic subureteric injection of a bulking agent or open anti-reflux surgery. In this study, we assess the efficacy of subureteric injections of Dextranomer/Hyaluronic acid Copolymer (Deflux) in managing primary VUR in infant patients with high-grade VUR. From 2010 to 2015, children less than 1-year-old with primary high-grade VUR were observed prospectively following the administration of endoscopic subureteric injections of Dextranomer/Hyaluronic Acid Copolymer (Deflux). The diagnosis of VUR was based on MCUG, and all patients underwent a holistic clinical, laboratory, and radiological assessment before and after the intervention. Complete success was defined as the resolution of VUR on follow up 1 year post-operatively. A total of 30 infants (50 renal units) with high-grade VUR (grades IV and V) were included in the study. The mean age at surgery was 6.3 ± 2.5 months. Most of the patients presented with a urinary tract infection (90%). Complete symptomatic relief was achieved in 27 patients (90%) at the first post-operative follow-up. Forty-four renal units received one injection, while six required a second injection as they did not meet our treatment success criteria. No patients required a third injection or referral for open surgery. Endoscopic injection of Dextranomer/Hyaluronic acid Copolymer (Deflux) at the vesicoureteral junction is an effective minimally invasive intervention to treat high grades VUR (IV-V) infants.

La prima infezione urinaria febbrile in bambini di età compresa tra 2 mesi e 3 anni

The aim was to update the recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of the first febrile urinary tract infection in young children, which were first published in 2012 and endorsed by the Italian Society of Paediatric Nephrology. The Italian recommendations were revised on the basis of a review of the literature published from 2012 to October 2018. An ad hoc evaluation of the risk factors, which were published in the previous recommendations, was carried out to identify children with high-grade vesicoureteral reflux or renal scarring. When evidence was not available, the working group held extensive discussions during various meetings and through email exchanges. Four major modifications have been introduced. The method for collecting urine for culture and its interpretation has been re-evaluated. The algorithm that guides clinical decisions to proceed with voiding cystourethrography has been reformulated. The suggested antibiotics have been revised and further restrictions of the use of antibiotic prophylaxis have been recommended. These updated recommendations have now been endorsed by the Italian Society of Paediatric Nephrology and the Italian Society for Paediatric Infectivology. They can also be used to compare other available recommendations, as a worldwide consensus in this area is still lacking.