Reflux In Children Research Articles

Clinical characteristics of primary vesicoureteral reflux in children with an allergic constitution.

This study was designed to compare the clinical data of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in children with and without an allergic constitution. The clinical data of patients hospitalized with VUR due to a urinary tract infection (UTI) between September 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020, were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups: an anallergic constitution group (AC group) and a non-allergic constitution (NAC group), and their UTIs and VUR were compared at baseline and during the follow-up period. (1) Between September 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020, a total of 284 children were hospitalized at Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University due to a UTI. These children included 37 cases with primary VUR and 247 cases without VUR (including 59 cases of non-VUR urinary malformation). The proportion of children with an allergic constitution was significantly higher in the patients with VUR than it was in those without VUR or with other urinary malformations (72.97% vs. 48.18% vs. 50.85%, P = 0.005, 0.032). (2) At baseline, the levels of immunoglobulin and immunoglobulin E in the AC group were significantly higher than those in the NAC group (P = 0.042, 0.017). (3) During the follow-up period, the number of recurrent UTI cases in the AC group was significantly higher than that in the NAC group (0.70 ± 0.91 vs. 0.10 ± 0.32, P= 0.005). The difference between the two groups in the VUR remission rate was not statistically significant (40% vs. 50%, P = 0.563). (4) During the follow-up period, the differences in the remission rates of recurrent UTIs and VUR in the two groups were not statistically significant. The incidence of having an allergic constitution is high in patients with VUR, and patients with an allergic constitution present with a higher frequency of recurrent UTIs.

Endoscopic injection vs anti-reflux surgery for moderate- and high-grade vesicoureteral reflux in children: a cost-effectiveness international study

Even if vesicoureteral reflux is a common condition in children, there are no guidelines about the best therapeutic approach. This study aims to compare the results of endoscopic injection and ureteral reimplantation in children with grade III, IV and V VUR. A multicenter retrospective study included children with grade III, IV and V VUR treated from 2003 to 2018 at three Departments of Pediatric Surgery. Patients were divided into Group A (endoscopic injections) and Group B (anti-reflux surgery), B1 (open, OUR), B2 (laparoscopic, LUR) and B3 (robot-assisted laparoscopic RALUR). Follow-up was at least 5 years. 400 patients were included, 232 (58%) in group A and 168 (42%) in group B. Mean age at surgery was 38.6 months [3.1–218.7]. Mean follow-up was 177.8 months [60–240]. Group A had shorter operative time than group B (P < 0.01); lower analgesic requirement (p < 0.05), shorter hospital stay (P < 0.05) and lower overall costs (p < 0.05), but higher postoperative PNPs (p < 0.01), lower success rate (p < 0.01) and higher redo-surgery percentage (p < 0.01). No differences in terms of postoperative complications, success rate and mean radiation exposure between the two groups. Endoscopy is associated with shorter operative time, shorter hospitalization and lower cost, also in case of multiple injections. Recurrence rate after surgery is lower meaning lower rate of re-hospitalization and radiation exposure for children.

Endoscopic correction of vesicoureteral reflux after chemodenervation of the detrusor with botulinum toxin in a child with a neurogenic bladder and myelodysplasia. Case report

Correction of vesicoureteral reflux in children with neurogenic bladder (NB) and myelodysplasia is rather challenging due to the presence of two aggravating factors. The first is the trabecularity of the bladder due to chronic ischemia and dysfunction of the closing contraction of the ureteral orifice up to complete deconfiguration of the ureterovesical junction, and the second is the neurogenic hyperactivity of the detrusor with hypertonicity, intravesical hypertension, and a significant decrease in the effective volume of the bladder. These pathophysiological mechanisms reduce to zero the effectiveness of open reimplantation of the ureter to create an anti-reflux mechanism, becoming, on the contrary, the cause of reflux aggravation and the development of ureterohydronephrosis. As a result, the correction of reflux in NB becomes impossible without stabilization of detrusor contractility, elimination of intravesical hypertension, and correction of spastic changes in the bladder. Clinical follow-up of a patient with this disorder for 10 years convincingly proves the effectiveness of step-by-step correction of NB and vesicoureteral reflux while adhering to the order of treatment methods.

Contrast media viscosity and its potential effect on the diagnosis of vesicoureteral reflux in children.

To confirm that contrast-enhanced voiding cystourosonography (ceVUS) diagnoses more vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) than voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) and assess whether this could be explained by contrast agent viscosity differences. Children addressed for a VCUG for suspected or known VUR between April 2021 and June 2023 were prospectively included. CeVUS and VCUG were consecutively performed during the same procedure by two operators; for each pelviureteric unit (PUU), VUR presence was assessed and scored (I-V scale). At least 6 months later, three radiologists reassessed VUR grading on all ceVUS static images. The viscosity of the two contrast agents and of the urine were measured at 25 °C and 37 °C. Wilcoxon tests were used for comparisons and linear Cohen's Kappa coefficient for Interobserver and Intraobserver agreement. Eighty-nine children, representing 192 PUU, were included. VUR was detected in 54 PUUs by at least one technique, by both in 30/54, by ceVUS only in 21/54 (38.8%), and by VCUG only in 3/54 (5.5%). VUR grade was higher with ceVUS in 19/30 (63.3%, p < 0.0008) PUUs. The ceVUS agent viscosity at 25 °C/37 °C (1.13 cP/1.03 cP) was almost identical to urine viscosity (1.14 cP/1.02 cP) and it was respectively 8 and 6 times lower than VCUG contrast agent viscosity (9.44 cP/6.03 cP). The Cohen's kappa for ceVUS grading was between 0.75-0.97 (interobserver) and 0.93-0.98 (intraobserver). Our study confirms that ceVUS detects more VUR and grades them higher in comparison to VCUG in children. This could be explained by the lower viscosity of the US contrast agent. Question Why are there differences in detecting and grading VUR between ceVUS and VCUG? Finding VUR was detected by ceVUS or VCUG only in, respectively 38.8% and 5.5% of PUUs. VUR grade was higher with ceVUS in 63.3%. Clinical relevance The higher detection rate and grading of vesicoureteral reflux in children by ceVUS might be explained by the lower viscosity of its sonographic contrast agent. CeVUS might reproduce the urine movement in the urinary tract.

Recurrence of vesico-ureteral reflux in children: is still the endoscopic injection the best option?

Endoscopic injection (EI) is a safe treatment for vesico-ureteral reflux (VUR) in children, but recurrences are not insignificant. This study aims to show if multiple EI is still the best first line management even if in case of recurrences. All patients affected by primary VUR, treated with at least one EI and with at least 5 years follow up were included. All general data were analyzed. Recurrence rate after one, two and three EIs were calculated. One hundred and sixty-one patients (total number =210) were healed after 1 injection, 28 after 2 and 4 after 3 with a global success rate of 91.90%. Recurrence rate is higher in patients older than 3 years old and with IV and V reflux grade. Even if 67.7% of recurrent VUR after one injection was symptomatic, diagnosis of recurrences after multiple EI was mainly radiological. Only 8% of the patients underwent EI need an anti-reflux surgery. Thanks to its low costs and the acceptable recurrence rate, Deflux EI should be proposed as the first therapeutic approach for children affected by VUR, especially in those with low and moderate grades of VUR. Multiple injections could be contraindicated only in older children thank 1 year with high-grade VUR (IV symptomatic and V grade).

Risk factors for 30-day complications following ureteral reimplantation for vesicoureteral reflux in children.

Risk factors for 30-day complications following ureteral reimplantation for vesicoureteral reflux in children.

Comparison and clinical analysis of antibiotics and endoscopic injection for vesicoureteral reflux in children

PurposeThis study evaluated the outcome of pediatric patients with primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and compared of the treatments between continued antibiotic prophylaxis (CAP) and endoscopic injection.MethodsThe clinical data of children diagnosed with primary vesicoureteral reflux from March 2015 to June 2020 who were treated with antibiotics or endoscopic injection were reviewed. Antibiotic was the first-chosen treatment after the diagnosis of VUR in children. Endoscopic treatment consisted of injection of dextran hyaluronic acid copolymer (DX/HA) into the ureteral opening under direct cystoscopy guidance.ResultsFifty-two children (35 males, 17 females) were included in this study, and for a total 90 ureters (14 unilateral, 38 bilateral) were diagnosed with vesicoureteral reflux by Voiding cystourethrography (VCUG). Twenty-two children were treated with antibiotics (8 unilateral, 14 bilateral), for a total of 36 ureters; thirty children were treated by endoscopic injection (6 unilateral, 24 bilateral), for a total of 54 ureters. The injection surgery took 36 ± 17 min including duration of general anesthesia and circumcision and the hospital stay was 2.3 ± 1.3 days. All male patients underwent circumcision simultaneously. There were no drug and allergic reactions in the antibiotic group, and no postoperative complications occurred in the injection group. With 23 months (13–63 months) of mean follow-up, the resolution rate, defined as radiological disappearance of VUR, was 36.1% (13/36) in the antibiotic group and 57.4% (31/54) in the injection group (P = 0.048).Two cases of bilateral reflux in the injection group required a second injection before resolution could be achieved. Thus, the overall success rate of injection was 64.8% (35/54). 9 cases (9/18, 50%) in the antibiotic group had renal scars on DMSA scans, while this was seen in 20 cases (20/23, 86.9%) in the injection group. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.010).The positive rates of ultrasound between the antibiotic group and the injection group were 45.5% (10/22) and 80.0% (24/30), respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in positive rates of ultrasound (P = 0.010).ConclusionsEndoscopic injection is easy to operate with short surgical time and hospital stay, so it is a safe and feasible treatment. For the treatment of primary vesicoureteral reflux in children, the radiological resolution rate of endoscopic injection is better than antibiotic therapy. In this study, the presence of kidney scars on DMSA and the dilated of the collecting system on ultrasound are the indications for endoscopic injection.

Complex Decision-Making for Gastroesophageal Reflux in Children With Neurologic Impairment.

Complex Decision-Making for Gastroesophageal Reflux in Children With Neurologic Impairment.

Distal renal tubular acidosis as a rare complication of vesicoureteral reflux in children: a case report and literature review.

Distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA) is a clinical picture of hyperchloremic hypokalemic metabolic acidosis with a normal anion gap. It can be caused by a variety of conditions including obstructive uropathy such as vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). We report a rare case of dRTA secondary to VUR in a 4-year-old girl with a history of meningomyelocele, neurogenic bladder and recurrent urinary tract infections. She was admitted to the hospital with complaints of polydipsia, polyuria, and inability to gain weight for the last 1year. She was on prophylactic antibiotic treatment with clean intermittent catheterization and anticholinergic drug. She had a history of subureteral injection of various agents and botulin toxin injection into the bladder. Her voiding cystourethrogram revealed grade 5 VUR in the left kidney, tortuosity in the left ureter, and the bladder had a dome-like appearance and was trabeculated. When all laboratory values of the patient since birth were examined, it was observed that urine pH was high despite hypokalemic hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis for the last year; these abnormalities became more severe in the last few months. In conclusion, the development of hypokalemia and nephrolithiasis/nephrocalcinosis along with metabolic acidosis in a patient diagnosed with VUR should be considered as an indicator of impaired tubular functions. Also, the possibility of an underlying VUR in the presence of recurrent urinary tract infection in a patient diagnosed with dRTA should not be ignored.

Chinese expert consensus on clinical diagnosis and treatment of non-neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction in children

Non-neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NNLUTD) is a common clinical problem in children, which is an important cause of lower urinary tract symptoms, urinary tract infection and vesicoureteral reflux in children, often accompanied by behavioral and psychological problems. At present, there is no consistent evaluation method and treatment for NNLUTD in children. Experts of Pediatric Urodynamics and Pelvic Floor Group of Pediatric Surgery Branch of Chinese Medical Association formulated this consensus according to the NNLUTD related diagnosis and treatment guidelines designated by International Children's Continence Society (ICCS) and International Continence Society (ICS), and combined with the latest relevant literatures at home and abroad, to provide reference for the clinical standard diagnosis and treatment of NNLUTD in children.

Еволюція поглядів на функціональну анатомію міхурово-сечовідного сегмента та етіопатогенетичні особливості міхурово-сечовідного рефлюксу в дітей

Bladder-ureteral reflux is a pathological condition in which there is a periodic and/or permanent retrograde flow of urine from the bladder into the urinary tract due to a malfunction of the anti-reflux mechanism of the vesicoureteral segment. The aim - to study etio-pathological mechanisms of vesicoureteral reflux in children to improve diagnostic and therapeutic tactics. Every year in Ukraine, 3,600-3,700 children with congenital defects of the urinary tract are diagnosed, with 1/3 of the defects occurring in their upper parts. According to statistics, there are 40-50 cases of congenital diseases of the urinary system per 1000 newborns. There are reports that the frequency of vesicoureteral reflux in the general pediatric population exceeds 2%. According to modern data, vesicoureteral reflux accounts for 0.1% to 1.0% of all pathology in the general pediatric population, accounting for 10% of all diseases of the urinary system in hospitalized children. Bladder-ureter is the initial link in the chain of pathological reflux in the urinary tract. The leading importance of the mechanism of the vesicoureteral reflux belongs to the study functional anatomy of the urinary tract as a whole. Bladder-ureteral reflux is most often detected during urination against the background of increased intravesical pressure, but it can occur during any of the stages of the urination cycle. Nephrosclerosis with vesicoureteral reflux is formed in 30-60% of cases, which leads to the development of the terminal stage of chronic renal failure in 25-60% of patients due to a decrease in the functional renal reserve, as an indicator of the compensatory capabilities of the kidneys. Conclusions. Review of literature dataregarding the structure and functional anatomy of the vesicoureteral segment convincingly testifies to the complexity and multi-level organization of its antireflux mechanism. Therefore, any further research in this direction will undoubtedly contribute to a deeper understanding of the normal functioning of this complex anatomical part of the human urinary system, which will allow the development and implementation of the latest physiological treatment methods in the practice of pediatric surgeons. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.

Commentary to “Urology Mythbusters: Does prevalence of vesicoureteral reflux in children vary by race?”

Commentary to “Urology Mythbusters: Does prevalence of vesicoureteral reflux in children vary by race?”

Prevalence and Intensity of Vesicoureteral Reflux in Children with UTI based on Direct Radionuclide Cystography

Prevalence and Intensity of Vesicoureteral Reflux in Children with UTI based on Direct Radionuclide Cystography

Management of Gastro Oesophageal Reflux in children

Management of Gastro Oesophageal Reflux in children

An evaluation of ureteral diameter ratio and vesicoureteral reflux index in the treatment of primary vesicoureteral reflux

ObjectiveVesicoureteral reflux (VUR) index is a simple, validated tool that reliably predicts significant improvement and spontaneous resolution of primary reflux in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the ureter diameter ratio (UDR) and VUR index (VURx) of patients treated with endoscopic injection (EI) and ureteroneocystostomy (UNC) methods in the pediatric age group due to primary VUR. MethodsPatients under the age of 18 years old who underwent EI and UNC with the diagnosis of primary VUR between January 2011 and September 2021 were determined as the participants. The UDR was assessed using voiding cystourethrography, and the VURx score was determined prior to treatment based on hospital records included in the study. ResultsA total of 255 patients, 60 (23.5%) boys and 195 (76.5%) girls, with a mean age of 76.5 (range 13.0–204.0) months, were included in the study. EI was applied to 130 (51.0%) patients and UNC was applied to 125 (49.0%) patients due to primary VUR. The optimum cut-off for the distal UDR was obtained as 0.17 with sensitivity and specificity of 73.0% and 63.0%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 66.0% and 70.0%, respectively. ConclusionWhen the UDR and VURx score are evaluated together for the surgical treatment of primary VUR in the pediatric age group, it is thought that it may be useful in predicting the clinical course of the disease and evaluating surgical treatment options.

Intraoperative ultrasound-assisted endoscopic treatment of primary intermediate and high-grade vesicoureteral reflux in children in a long-term follow-up

Endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is an important minimally invasive surgical approach in patients undergoing surgical treatment of VUR. In our past experience, we observed that a bulking agent mound sagittal diameter of 10mm is the main predictor of effectiveness of the procedure. Moreover we noticed that the use of intraoperative ultrasound, allows the surgeon to better identify the site, volume and shape of the bulking agent injected, finally reducing operative time. We aimed to evaluate if the intraoperative ultrasound assistance could definitively improve effectiveness of the endoscopic procedure. We retrospectively compared two series treated with endoscopic procedures for intermediate and high grade primary VUR, respectively without (series A) and with (series B) intraoperative ultrasound (IO-US). In all patients VCUG was performed to assess VUR grade and to verify resolution or VUR downgrading during the follow-up. A total of 177 ureteric units were treated. Endoscopic procedures globally were effective in 68/96 ureters (70.8%) in series A and in 68/81 ureters (83.9%) in series B. No significant differences in effectiveness were observed comparing the series with regard to VUR grades, but a significant difference is shown (p<0.05) when grouping grades III-V VUR. No significance in differences of volume injected were detected, but operative time was significantly lower in series B (27.5min vs 19.6min, p<0.05). Mean sagittal mound diameter measured during cystoscopy in series B was 10.45mm (range 8.5-14.2mm). The intraoperative ultrasound assistance during endoscopic treatment of VUR could represent a valid tool for surgeons to better identify location, volume and shape of the bulking agent. Furthermore, the use of an objective parameter of evaluation of the implant can overcome the subjective intraoperative evaluation of the implant itself, improving results for experienced surgeons and reducing the learning-curve for inexperienced ones. Results of endoscopic injection of bulking-agent can be improved with intraoperative ultrasound, allowing at the same time a significant reduction of operative time.

Pharmacological treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux in children.

Pharmacological treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux in children.

Does the distal ureteral diameter ratio (UDR) matter in the surgical management of vesicoureteral reflux in children?

To evaluate UDR reliability, sensitivity, specificity and to identify the best treatment basing on UDR among single or double endoscopic injections and ureteral reimplantation. Data of patients affected by primary VUR and treated by endoscopic injection over a 10years period were retrospectively analyzed. Two radiologist attributed reflux grade and UDR on voiding cystourethrogram twice and blinded. Follow-up focused on resolution after 1 or 2 endoscopic injections. Relation between UDR, reflux grade and outcomes were analyzed. Patient enrolled were 198. Low grade VUR was present in 24.8%, grade 3 in 41.6%, grade 4-5 in 33.6%. Resolution after one injection was obtained in 88 patients; among 110 not resolved 104 cases had a second injection. Success after 2 injections was reported in 138 cases. UDR showed a higher reliability compared with reflux grade both in intra than inter-reader measurement (ICC > 90%). Success after 1 or 2 injections was reported for UDR < 0.33 and UDR < 0.47 respectively. UDR shows to be a more reliable measurement that allows for an objective estimation of VUR severity and prognosis. It represents a quantitative parameter that might be useful to identify patients who may benefit endoscopic or surgical treatment, avoiding unnecessary under or over-treatment.

Outcomes after dextranomer/hyaluronic acid bladder neck injection in patients with urethral incontinence following bladder neck repair

Many patients who undergo surgery for bladder neck (BN) incompetence may still experience incontinence postoperatively. Dextranomer/hyaluronic acid (Dx/HA) is widely used for endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux in children; however, few studies have reported its use in treating incontinence after BN surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes after Dx/HA bladder neck injection in patients with persistent outlet incompetency following BN Repair. We retrospectively reviewed patients at a single pediatric tertiary care center with history of prior bladder neck surgery and reported persistent incontinence who then underwent endoscopic bladder neck Dx/HA injection from 2013 to 2018 and had subsequent follow-up post-injection. We described primary outcomes of reported incontinence as "wet" (leakage similar to before injection), "improved" (wet but leakage improved), and "dry" (no leakage). Our secondary outcome was need for a secondary procedure after Dx/HA injection, including Dx/HA injection or bladder neck closure (BNC). At first follow-up (median 2.3 months post-op), 7/19 were wet, 6/19 were improved, and 6/19 were dry. At last follow-up (median of 34.7 months), only three patients (16%) were dry. Only one patient who received a single surgery for Dx/HA injection was "dry", though nearly 2/3rds (12) were initially "improved" in their continence. Overall, seven patients had another intervention or surgery after first injection. Five patients had multiple Dx/HA injections after first procedure, which resulted in dryness by last assessment in two of these. Four patients (21%) in the overall cohort required subsequent BNC. Longer-term follow-up in our study demonstrated that only one patient who received a single procedure of Dx/HA injection remained dry. Several studies had follow up for greater than 1 year after initial bladder neck Dx/HA injection; rates of dryness after a single surgery for injection were variable and reported between 20 and 40% over follow-up times ranging from 1.5 to 7 years (Alova et al., 2012; DaJusta et al., 2013; Lottmann et al., 2006a; Lottmann et al., 2006b; Kitchens et al., 2007). Our st udy does have inherent limitations. This study was performed at a single institution in a retrospective manner, with a single surgeon reviewing the medical record to determine operative techniques and continence outcomes. The patient population is small, although relatively comparable to other previously reported studies. Outcomes were based on documentation of patient reports and are therefore lacking in objectivity. In patients with prior unsuccessful BN repair, long-lasting dryness after single Dx/HA BN injection is unlikely, although one-third may demonstrate relatively durable improvement in incontinence.

Comparison of voiding vesicoureteral urosonography with fluoroscopic voiding cystourethrography in children with vesicoureteral reflux.

To evaluate the value and compliance rate of voiding vesicoureteral urosonography in pediatric vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). This is a retrospective study. A total of 80 children with high-risk VUR admitted to Children's Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University from December 2018 to December 2020 were selected. All patients underwent voiding urosonography (VUS) and fluoroscopic voiding cystourethrography (VCUG). The sensitivity and compliance of voiding vesicoureteral urosonography were compared, and its application value was evaluated. A total of 160 PUUs were examined, and all cases were normal. Among them, 56 PUUs had reflux (35.00%, 56/160), 46 PUUs had reflux under both examination methods (28.75%, 46/160), and 10 PUUs were only detected under VUS (6.25%, 10/160). Thirty-four cases of VUR (42.50%, 34/80) were diagnosed by VUS, among which 15 cases were bilateral reflux and 4 cases were unilateral reflux. Twenty-five cases (35.00%, 25/80) were diagnosed by VCUG, among which 10 cases were bilateral regurgitation and five cases were unilateral regurgitation. No significant difference was observed in the detection rate of reflux between the two methods (P=0.432). A total of 146 PUUs were found to be consistent between the two methods (91.25%, 160), including 2 Grade-I reflux, 6 Grade-II reflux, 14 Grade-III reflux, 12 Grade-IV reflux, eight Grade-V reflux, and 104 without reflux, demonstrating SATISFACTORY consistency between the two groups (Kappa=0.885). Voiding vesicoureteral urosonography has a high coincidence rate in the detection of vesicoureteral reflux in children.