Spontaneous Resolution Of Reflux Research Articles

Clinical characteristics and outcome of childhood vesicoureteral reflux.

The aim of the study was to assess the clinical features and outcome parameters of children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) based on gender and VUR grade. Patients with VUR who were seen during routine follow-up visits at Ankara University Children's Hospital between January 2014-January 2015 were included in this retrospective study. Patient demographics, clinical course, laboratory investigations, imaging were noted. Two hundred and twenty patients were recruited. Mean age at the time of diagnosis was 3,17 ± 3,08 years. Boys were diagnosed at younger ages as compared to girls (2.00 ± 2,59 vs. 3,81 ± 3.15, p < 0.001). Urinary tract infection (UTI) was the most common presentation. The second presentation form was antenatal hydronephrosis (AHN) which was more common in males (25.6 %, p < 0.001). Twenty-two percent of the patients had grade 1-2, 51 % grade 3 and 27 % grade 4-5 reflux. Patients with grade 4-5 reflux had more abnormal ultrasound (US) and Tech 99m dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy (DMSA) findings and surgery was performed more frequently in this group (p < 0.001). In males, grade 4-5 reflux (43.6 % vs. 18.3 %), abnormal US (77 % vs. 54 %) and DMSA (77 % vs. 59 %) findings were more frequent (p < 0.05). In girls higher rates of UTIs, lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) and spontaneous reflux resolution were seen (p < 0.05). Despite younger age at diagnosis, spontaneous resolution was found lower in boys and they had more frequent AHN, more severe reflux, and radiological abnormalities.

Should micturating cystourethrogram be routinely performed for paediatric pyeloplasty patients?

Objective: Micturating cystourethrogram (MCUG) has traditionally been recommended as part of the preoperative evaluation of all cases of hydronephrosis. Several studies have shown that the majority of cases with pelviureteric junction obstruction (PUJO) and concomitant vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) were of low-grade and generally resolved spontaneously. We therefore retrospectively evaluated the need for routine MCUG in all cases of PUJO. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of clinical records of all patients who underwent pyeloplasty in our institution between 2003 and 2015. Data collected included patient demographics, clinical presentation, radiological procedures performed, operative details as well as postoperative outcomes. Results: A total of 119 patients underwent pyeloplasty for PUJO during this study period. MCUG was performed in 88 patients (74%), of whom eight patients had VUR. All eight patients had unilateral PUJO and two patients had bilateral VUR. Only two patients had high-grade VUR (grade 4). These two patients also had hydroureter detected on ultrasound scan (US). All patients with VUR had spontaneous resolution of reflux. While comparing outcomes for patients with and without VUR, there was no statistically significant difference in terms of the need for redo surgery and improvement in differential renal function post-pyeloplasty. Conclusion: The outcome of pyeloplasty appears to be independent of the presence of concomitant VUR. Therefore, we conclude that MCUG does not need to be performed routinely for all PUJO patients. However, patients with history of recurrent urinary tract infection or findings of hydroureter on US should still be investigated with MCUG.

Vesicoureteral Reflux Index: Predicting Primary Vesicoureteral Reflux Resolution in Children Diagnosed after Age 24 Months

The Vesicoureteral Reflux Index is a validated tool that reliably predicts spontaneous resolution of reflux or at least 2 grades of improvement for patients diagnosed before age 24 months. We evaluated the Vesicoureteral Reflux Index in children older than 2 years. Patients younger than 18 years who were diagnosed with primary vesicoureteral reflux after age 24 months and had undergone 2 or more voiding cystourethrograms were identified. Disease severity was scored using the Vesicoureteral Reflux Index, a 6-point scale based on gender, reflux grade, ureteral abnormalities and reflux timing. Proportional subdistribution hazard models for competing risks identified variables associated with resolution/improvement at different time points. A total of 21 males and 250 females met inclusion criteria. Mean ± SD age was 4.0 ± 2.1 years and patients had a median vesicoureteral reflux grade of 2. The Vesicoureteral Reflux Index score improved by 1 point in 1 patient (100%), 2 points in 25 (67.6%), 3 points in 48 (37%), 4 points in 18 (21.4%) and 5 to 6 points in 4 (18.2%). Female gender (p = 0.005) and vesicoureteral reflux timing (late filling, p = 0.002; early/mid filling, p <0.001) independently predicted nonresolution. Median resolution time based on Vesicoureteral Reflux Index score was 2 months or less in 15.6% of patients (95% CI 11.0-13.8), 3 months in 34.7% (95% CI 25.4-44.1), 4 months in 55.9% (95% CI 40.1 to infinity) and 5 months or more in 30.3% (95% CI 29.5 to infinity). High grade (IV or V) reflux was not associated with resolution at any point. Ureteral abnormalities were associated with lack of resolution in the first 12 to 18 months (HR 0.29, 95% CI 0.29-0.80) but not in later followup. Vesicoureteral Reflux Index scores of 3, 4 and 5 were significantly associated with lack of resolution/improvement compared to scores of 2 or less (p = 0.031). The Vesicoureteral Reflux Index reliably predicts primary vesicoureteral reflux improvement/resolution in children diagnosed after age 24 months. Spontaneous resolution/improvement is less likely as Vesicoureteral Reflux Index score and time from diagnosis increase.

MP54-02 MULTI-INSTITUTIONAL ANALYSIS AND VALIDATION OF THE VESICOURETERAL REFLUX INDEX (VURX)

You have accessJournal of UrologyPediatrics: Urinary Tract Infections/Vesicoureteral Reflux1 Apr 2015MP54-02 MULTI-INSTITUTIONAL ANALYSIS AND VALIDATION OF THE VESICOURETERAL REFLUX INDEX (VURX) Angela M. Arlen, Aaron D. Weiss, Michael Garcia-Roig, Traci Leong, Christopher S. Cooper, and Andrew J. Kirsch Angela M. ArlenAngela M. Arlen More articles by this author , Aaron D. WeissAaron D. Weiss More articles by this author , Michael Garcia-RoigMichael Garcia-Roig More articles by this author , Traci LeongTraci Leong More articles by this author , Christopher S. CooperChristopher S. Cooper More articles by this author , and Andrew J. KirschAndrew J. Kirsch More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2015.02.2025AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Diagnosis and management of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in young children remains controversial. VURx is a novel tool designed to predict spontaneous reflux resolution in children less than 2 years of age. We performed a multi-institutional validation study, evaluating improvement and resolution rates of young children with newly diagnosed VUR. METHODS Children diagnosed with primary VUR before 24 months of age with ≥2 VCUGs were identified. A 1-6 point VURx was assigned as previously described [Figure 1A]. Demographics, VUR grade and timing, ureteral anomalies, and radiographic outcomes were evaluated. Time to event analysis was performed to identify predictors of time to spontaneous VUR resolution. Resolution was defined as a negative VCUG and improvement as a ≥2 grade decrease in maximum VUR grade. RESULTS Three hundred and sixty-nine children (219 girls, 150 boys) from participating institutions met all inclusion criteria. Mean age at diagnosis was 4.7 ± 4.9 months. One hundred and one patients (27.4%) had early to mid-filling, 214 (58%) late filling and 54 (14.6%) had voiding only VUR. Mean maximum VUR grade was 2.7 ± 1.1; 87 children (23.6%) had high-grade reflux. Ureteral anomalies, complete duplication or periureteral diverticulum (PUD), were observed in 51 children (13.8%). Mean VURx was 3.1 ± 1 with the following breakdown: 1 (17), 2 (88), 3 (151), 4 (78) and 5-6 (35). VURx 1 to 5-6 had improvement/resolution rates of 88.2%, 77.3%, 62.3%, 32.1% and 14.3%, respectively, consistent with the previously published rates (p=0.818) [Figure 1B]. Children with filling phase VUR (p<0.001), grade 4-5 reflux (p<0.001), and ureteral anomalies (p=0.003) had significantly longer median times to improvement or resolution on time to event analysis. Median time to spontaneous resolution was 12.6, 12.7, 15.1, 25.6 and 31 months for VURx 1 to 5-6, respectively. Sixty-five children (17.6%) underwent surgical intervention during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS VURx is a simple, validated tool that reliably predicts significant improvement and spontaneous resolution of primary reflux in children diagnosed prior to 2 years of age. In an era where optimal management of VUR remains debatable, the VURx provides additional prognostic information facilitating individualized patient care. © 2015 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 193Issue 4SApril 2015Page: e664 Peer Review Report Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2015 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Angela M. Arlen More articles by this author Aaron D. Weiss More articles by this author Michael Garcia-Roig More articles by this author Traci Leong More articles by this author Christopher S. Cooper More articles by this author Andrew J. Kirsch More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Vesicoureteral Reflux Index: 2-Institution Analysis and Validation

The vesicoureteral reflux index is a novel tool designed to predict spontaneous reflux resolution in infants younger than 2 years. We performed a multi-institutional validation study to confirm the discriminatory power of the vesicoureteral reflux index to predict the vesicoureteral reflux resolution rate in young children. We identified patients diagnosed with primary vesicoureteral reflux before age 24 months who had 2 or more voiding cystourethrograms available. Demographics, vesicoureteral reflux grade and timing, ureteral anomalies and radiographic outcomes were evaluated. The C-index was estimated for time to event model assessment. A total of 219 girls and 150 boys met study inclusion criteria. Mean ± SD age at diagnosis was 4.7 ± 4.9 months. Of the patients 101 (27.4%) had early to mid filling, 214 (58%) had late filling and 54 (14.6%) had voiding only vesicoureteral reflux. High grade reflux was present in 87 patients (23.6%) and ureteral anomalies were observed in 50 (13.6%). A vesicoureteral reflux index of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 or greater showed an improvement/resolution rate of 88.2%, 77.3%, 62.3%, 32.1% and 14.3%, respectively. On time to event analysis children with filling phase vesicoureteral reflux (p <0.001), grade 4-5 reflux (p <0.001) and ureteral anomalies (p = 0.003) had significantly longer median time to resolution. Median time to spontaneous resolution was 12.6, 12.7, 15.1, 25.6 and 31 months or greater for a vesicoureteral reflux index of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 or greater, respectively (C-index 0.305, 95% CI 0.252-0.357). During the study period 65 patients (17.6%) underwent surgical intervention. The vesicoureteral reflux index is a simple tool that reliably predicts significant improvement and spontaneous resolution of primary reflux in patients diagnosed at younger than 2 years. The index provides valuable prognostic information, facilitating individualized patient care.

Temporal Pattern of Vesicoureteral Reflux on Voiding Cystourethrogram Correlates with Dynamic Endoscopic Hydrodistention Grade of Ureteral Orifice

The double hydrodistention implantation technique uses ureteral hydrodistention to visualize injection site(s) and determine required bulking agent volume. Along with grade, early vesicoureteral reflux on voiding cystourethrogram provides prognostic information regarding spontaneous resolution ofreflux. We hypothesized that reflux timing is predictive of endoscopic hydrodistention grade. We identified children undergoing the double hydrodistention implantation technique for primary vesicoureteral reflux between 2009 and 2012. Hydrodistention grade (0 to 3) was assigned prospectively, andcompared to vesicoureteral reflux grade and timing on voiding cystourethrogram. A total of 196 children with a mean ± SD age of 3.94 ± 2.58 years underwent injection of 332 ureters. Mean ± SD vesicoureteral reflux grade was 2.8 ± 0.9. Of the ureters 52.4% demonstrated early to mid filling, 39.2% late filling and 8.4% voiding only reflux. Mean ± SD reflux grade was 3.1 ± 0.81 for early filling, 2.6 ± 0.81 for late filling and 2.1 ± 1.1 for voiding only (p <0.0001). Vesicoureteral reflux and hydrodistention grades correlated, with higher reflux grades associated with grade 3 hydrodistention (p <0.001). There was a significant relationship between reflux timing and hydrodistention grade (p <0.001), with a high percentage of ureters with grade 3 hydrodistention displaying early reflux compared to those with grade 1 disease. Significantly increased mean injected volume for ureters with grade 3 hydrodistention (1.6 ml) was observed compared to those with grade 1 or 2 disease (1.25 ml, p <0.001). Hydrodistention grade correlates with vesicoureteral reflux grade, timing of reflux and injected volume. Early to mid filling vesicoureteral reflux isassociated with abnormal hydrodistention (grade 2 to 3). Temporal pattern ofvesicoureteral reflux on voiding cystourethrogram may be used to predict ureteral orifice competency and thus aid in predicting resolution of reflux.

Primary vesicoureteral reflux: conservative therapy or surgical intervention

The relationship between urinary tract infections and primary vesicoureteral reflux may lead to permanent renal damage. In the literature an increasing number of spontaneous cure of vesicoureteral reflux in children and the significant decrease in surgical therapy has been observed. To study the evolution of primary vesicoureteral reflux associated with recurring urinary tract infections settings in patients of the Pediatric Nephrology department of our institution, evaluating cases in which cure was achieved through conservative therapy only and those in which surgical intervention was required. We analyzed records and collected data refers to parameters: sex, age upon the diagnosis of primary urinary infection, age upon diagnosis of vesicoureteral reflux, number of urinary tract infections, vesicoureteral reflux grade; renal function, renal scaring, other malformation of urinary tract, and surgical or conservative intervention. Statistical analysis was descriptive and conducted with the SPSS program. Within the subgroup of patients with grade IV and V, 63.6% of the cases evolved to surgical intervention and 36.4% to conservative intervention. In those with grades I, II, and III, 38.5% evolved to surgical treatment against 61.5% for conservative approach. Among those with bilateral vesicoureteral reflux, 72.7% had to undergo surgical intervention. No relationship was observed between the vesicoureteral reflux grade and the presence of renal scaring. Patients with low grade vesicoureteral reflux and recurring urinary tract infections tend to experience spontaneous reflux resolution with good renal evolution in the long term in a way that surgical intervention becomes limited to high grade reflux or when followed by other clinical issues.

Intrarenal reflux in primary vesicoureteral reflux

To elucidate the significance of intrarenal reflux. We retrospectively analyzed 276 patients (age <5 years) with grade III to V vesicoureteral reflux. They were divided into two groups: 55 patients with intrarenal reflux and 221 patients without intrarenal reflux (control group). All patients received low-dose antibiotic prophylaxis. The most common initial presentation in both groups was febrile urinary tract infection. On dimercaptosuccinic acid scan, the rate of decreased differential renal function (<40%) was significantly higher in the intrarenal reflux group than in the control group (51% vs 33%, P < 0.05). Breakthrough urinary tract infections were observed in 26 patients (47%) in the intrarenal reflux group and 61 patients (28%) in the control group (P < 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference regarding spontaneous resolution of reflux, which occurred in nine patients (16%) in the intrarenal reflux group and 32 patients (14%) in the control group. Surgical treatment was selected more often in the intrarenal reflux group (P < 0.05) because of the high incidence of breakthrough urinary tract infection. The rate of spontaneous resolution of high-grade vesicoureteral reflux is similar between patients with and without intrarenal reflux. However, those with intrarenal reflux present are more likely to present a decreased differential renal function and breakthrough urinary tract infections. Consequently, surgical treatment is considered more frequently in cases with intrarenal reflux. Although high-grade vesicoureteral reflux with intrarenal reflux can be treated conservatively, physicians should take into account the higher risk of breakthrough urinary tract infections.

Predictive Factors for Resolution of Congenital High Grade Vesicoureteral Reflux in Infants: Results of Univariate and Multivariate Analyses

We studied variables with impact on cessation of congenital high grade vesicoureteral reflux in univariate analyses and provide a multivariate model for prediction of reflux resolution. A total of 80 male and 35 female infants (median age 2.7 months) were included in this prospective observational study. Of the cases 71% were diagnosed after urinary tract infection and 26% after prenatal ultrasound. Reflux was bilateral in 70% of the patients and maximum grade was III in 16%, IV in 45% and V in 39%. The study protocol included repeat videocystometries, renal scintigrams, chromium edetic acid clearances and free voiding observations. Median followup was 36 months. Overall spontaneous reflux resolution, including cases downgraded to grade I to II, was 38%. Variables significantly negatively correlated to resolution were breakthrough febrile urinary tract infection, bladder dysfunction, higher grade of reflux at inclusion, renal abnormality, subnormal renal function, increased bladder capacity, residual urine and passive occurrence of reflux. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard model with stepwise selection identified 3 independent predictors--renal abnormality (hazard ratio 0.45, 95% CI 0.31-0.64, p <0.0001), bladder dysfunction (hazard ratio 0.43, 95% CI 0.29-0.64, p <0.0001) and breakthrough urinary tract infection (hazard ratio 0.38, 95% CI 0.18-0.78, p = 0.009). Performance of the model was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic curve, with a calculated area under the curve of 83%. Overall resolution rate in congenital high grade vesicoureteral reflux is high during the first years of life. By multivariate analyses renal abnormality, bladder dysfunction and breakthrough febrile urinary tract infection were identified as strong independent negative predictive factors for reflux resolution.

The Value of Estimation of Distal Ureteral Dilatation in Primary Vesicoureteral Reflux

PurposeRecently, several studies have suggested that distal ureteral dilatation is an important factor influencing the spontaneous resolution of primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). We evaluated the relationship between distal ureteral dilatation and the spontaneous resolution of primary VUR.Materials and MethodsThe medical records of 114 patients with primary VUR maintained on prophylactic antibiotics from April 1999 to August 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients' mean age was 24.2 months (range, 6-108 months). There were 66 male patients and 48 female patients. The mean follow-up was 37.6 months (range, 12-102 months). We analyzed various factors including age, gender, grade of reflux, laterality, and ureteral diameter ratio (UDR; the largest ureteral diameter was divided by the distance from the L1-4 vertebral body to minimize the differences in diameter by age) to determine whether these factors influenced the spontaneous resolution of primary VUR.ResultsUnilateral, low-grade reflux and low UDR were significantly associated with the spontaneous resolution of reflux (p=0.048, p<0.001, and p<0.001, respectively). The multivariate analysis revealed that the spontaneous resolution rate of primary reflux was significantly higher in patients with low UDR than in patients with high UDR (p<0.001).ConclusionsThe degree of distal ureteral dilatation is expected to be another important factor in determining therapeutic course and predicting the spontaneous resolution of VUR.

Unilateral Vesicoureteral Reflux and History of Contralateral Vesicoureteral Reflux Warranting Routine Bilateral Endoscopic Correction

It has been shown that the incidence of de novo vesicoureteral reflux following unilateral endoscopic correction is low and does not justify prophylactic injection into the nonrefluxing ureter. We analyzed whether we should routinely treat each ureter in patients with a history of bilateral vesicoureteral reflux in whom reflux previously disappeared spontaneously on 1 side. Between 1991 and 2005, 458 children underwent endoscopic correction of unilateral vesicoureteral reflux. Of the children 15 with bilateral vesicoureteral reflux at the beginning of followup showed spontaneous reflux resolution on 1 side. Resolved reflux was grade II to IV in 5, 8 and 2 children, respectively. Mean time to reflux resolution was 3.3 years (range 2 to 5). Reflux corrected endoscopically was grade II to IV in 1, 6 and 8 children, respectively. All children were female and age at endoscopic correction was 2 to 16 years. None of the children had voiding dysfunction at the time of injection. Injection was performed routinely only into the refluxing ureter. Configuration of the orifice of the ureter with resolved vesicoureteral reflux was recorded at injection. Vesicoureteral reflux was corrected in all except 1 ureter, in which reflux was downgraded to grade I. The configuration of the orifice of the ureter with resolved reflux was normal in all children. Of the 15 children 14 (93%) showed recurrent vesicoureteral reflux in previously resolved ureters. Recurrent reflux grade was I to III in 1 (7.1%), 6 (42.8%) and 7 children (50%), respectively. All children required endoscopic correction on the side of recurrence due to high grade reflux in 7 and breakthrough urinary tract infection in the remaining 7. In 2 cases (14.2%) renal scan revealed new renal scarring. There is a high incidence of recurrent vesicoureteral reflux in previously resolved ureters following endoscopic correction on the contralateral side. Therefore, we recommend routine injection of the 2 ureters in patients with a history of bilateral vesicoureteral reflux.

Bladder Volume at Onset of Reflux on Initial Cystogram Predicts Spontaneous Resolution

Reflux grade is the factor most commonly used to predict spontaneous reflux resolution. We evaluated other potential predictive factors aside from reflux grade relative to spontaneous resolution. We reviewed the records of 20 males and 98 females who were diagnosed with primary vesicoureteral reflux between ages 0 and 7 years between 1990 and 2000. Age, sex, height, weight, reflux grade, bladder volume at onset of reflux and laterality were recorded for the first, second and most recent voiding cystourethrogram or nuclear cystogram before spontaneous resolution or operative intervention. Of 118 patients 75 (64%) had spontaneous resolution, 27 (23%) underwent corrective surgery and 16 (13%) are still being followed. Average age at diagnosis was 2.3 years (range 1 day to 7.7 years) and average followup was 4.3 years (range 0.2 to 14). Average time to spontaneous resolution was 2.2 years (range 0.5 to 10.3) vs a time to operative treatment of 3.6 years (range 0.2 to 11.2). There was a significantly higher spontaneous resolution rate for lower reflux grades (p = 0.0004). Reflux occurring at greater than 75% of predicted bladder capacity had a significantly higher resolution rate (p = 0.0005). The initial height and weight percentile was not significant for predicting spontaneous resolution. Breakthrough urinary tract infections were negative predictors of spontaneous resolution (p <0.0001). In addition to grade, bladder volume relative to predicted bladder capacity at the onset of reflux appears to provide additional prognostic information regarding the likelihood of spontaneous resolution of primary vesicoureteral reflux.

Renal and Bladder Functional Status at Diagnosis as Predictive Factors for the Outcome of Primary Vesicoureteral Reflux in Children

We studied the relationship between renal and bladder functional status at diagnosis and spontaneous resolution of reflux in young children with primary vesicoureteral reflux. Children with grade III or greater vesicoureteral reflux were recruited for the study. At entry each patient underwent voiding cystourethrogram, renal ultrasound, isotope renogram, and natural filling and conventional filling urodynamic studies. Patients were then divided into 4 groups-group 1 had normal renal and bladder function, group 2 had abnormal renal and normal bladder function, group 3 had normal renal and abnormal bladder function, and group 4 had abnormal renal and bladder function. Correlation between renal and bladder functional status with reflux resolution at a minimum followup of 24 months was evaluated. A total of 82 patients (mean age 3.8 years) were prospectively evaluated and followed. There were 18 patients (13 males and 5 females) in group 1, 19 (13 and 6) in group 2, 19 (18 and 1) in group 3 and 26 (22 and 4) in group 4. Complete resolution of vesicoureteral reflux occurred in 17 patients (94%) in group 1 and 7 (37%) in group 2. None of the patients from group 3 or group 4 achieved complete vesicoureteral reflux resolution. Reflux grade remained unchanged in 15 patients (79%) in group 3 and 20 (77%) in group 4. Resolution of vesicoureteral reflux significantly correlated with renal and bladder functional status at diagnosis. Normal renal and bladder function at diagnosis is highly predictive of complete resolution of vesicoureteral reflux, whereas abnormal renal and bladder function is prognostic for persistence of reflux.

757: Bladder Pressure at Onset of Vesicoureteral Reflux is an Independent Predictor of Spontaneous Reflux Resolution

757: Bladder Pressure at Onset of Vesicoureteral Reflux is an Independent Predictor of Spontaneous Reflux Resolution

Bladder dysfunction in children with vesico‐ureteric reflux

Vesico‐ureteric reflux and non‐neurogenic bladder dysfunction are closely related, although a causal relationship has been established only for severe forms of detrusor‐sphincter dyscoordina‐tion. There are several urodynamic studies reporting high frequency of bladder instability and/or detrusor‐sphincter dyscoordination in children with reflux. The latter includes an element of functional outflow obstruction and is the most serious, since it accompanies kidney damage. When instability is the only urodynamic abnormality damage is absent. There are indications that treatment of bladder dysfunction increases spontaneous resolution of reflux and, furthermore, that bladder dysfunction is a negative prognostic factor following antireflux surgery. Recently also, gross reflux in infant boys was seen to associate with bladder dysfunction in addition to earlier finding of congenital malformation of the ureterovesical junction. However, no comparisons have emerged on the outcome following treatment of bladder dysfunction and following observation only. In conclusion, children with reflux on chemoprophylaxis prior to reimplantation must always be assessed for bladder dysfunction. This is especially important when there are recurrent urinary tract infections.

The management of unilateral poorly functioning kidneys in patients with posterior urethral valves.

There is no uniform agreement on how to manage the unilateral nonfunctioning or poorly functioning kidney associated with posterior urethral valves. We studied the results of treatment of our patients to make recommendations regarding management of these kidneys. We reviewed the records of 13 boys with a history of posterior urethral valves and a unilateral nonfunctioning or poorly functioning kidney, defined as less than 10% of total renal function on 99mtechnetium dimercapto-succinic acid renal scans. Variables investigated included pyelonephritis, hypertension, vesicoureteral reflux, nephroureterectomy, ureteral reimplantation and spontaneous cessation of reflux. We also evaluated how the management of abnormal urodynamic parameters influenced the results of reimplantation or medically induced cessation of reflux. Three of the 6 boys with grade 5 reflux ipsilateral to the poorly functioning kidney required nephroureterectomy at a mean age of 21 months because of recurrent urinary tract infections. Another 4 boys underwent successful ureteral reimplantation, including 2 who had bilateral grade 5 reflux, and 2 who had ipsilateral grade 4 reflux, and grade 3 (1) and grade 2 (1) contralateral reflux. Of 4 boys ipsilateral grade 3 reflux in 3 and bilateral grade 5 reflux in 1 disappeared without surgery after treatment of urodynamic abnormalities. Two patients with poorly functioning kidneys and no reflux did not undergo surgery. Overall 10 of the 13 poorly functioning renal units were not removed, and these patients were free of pyelonephritis and hypertension. Ureteral reimplantation (4 ipsilateral and 3 contralateral) was performed only after urodynamic abnormalities were addressed. All reimplantations were successful. Based on our results we believed that unilateral poorly functioning kidneys in patients with posterior urethral valves can be safely preserved in select patients without hypertension and pyelonephritis. Reimplantation to correct reflux may be preferable to nephroureterectomy in specific situations, such as when contralateral function is suboptimal and the contralateral ureter needs reimplantation. When indicated, reimplantation can be performed successfully if abnormal urodynamic parameters are addressed preoperatively. In fact, treating abnormal urodynamic findings may lead to spontaneous reflux resolution.

The Management of Unilateral Poorly Functioning Kidneys in Patients With Posterior Urethral Valves

Purpose There is no uniform agreement on how to manage the unilateral nonfunctioning or poorly functioning kidney associated with posterior urethral valves. We studied the results of treatment of our patients to make recommendations regarding management of these kidneys. Materials and Methods We reviewed the records of 13 boys with a history of posterior urethral valves and a unilateral nonfunctioning or poorly functioning kidney, defined as less than 10% of total renal function on [99m] technetium dimercapto-succinic acid renal scans. Variables investigated included pyelonephritis, hypertension, vesicoureteral reflux, nephroureterectomy, ureteral reimplantation and spontaneous cessation of reflux. We also evaluated how the management of abnormal urodynamic parameters influenced the results of reimplantation or medically induced cessation of reflux. Results Three of the 6 boys with grade 5 reflux ipsilateral to the poorly functioning kidney required nephroureterectomy at a mean age of 21 months because of recurrent urinary tract infections. Another 4 boys underwent successful ureteral reimplantation, including 2 who had bilateral grade 5 reflux, and 2 who had ipsilateral grade 4 reflux, and grade 3 (1) and grade 2 (1) contralateral reflux. Of 4 boys ipsilateral grade 3 reflux in 3 and bilateral grade 5 reflux in 1 disappeared without surgery after treatment of urodynamic abnormalities. Two patients with poorly functioning kidneys and no reflux did not undergo surgery. Overall 10 of the 13 poorly functioning renal units were not removed, and these patients were free of pyelonephritis and hypertension. Ureteral reimplantation (4 ipsilateral and 3 contralateral) was performed only after urodynamic abnormalities were addressed. All reimplantations were successful. Conclusions Based on our results we believe that unilateral poorly functioning kidneys in patients with posterior urethral valves can be safely preserved in select patients without hypertension and pyelonephritis. Reimplantation to correct reflux may be preferable to nephroureterectomy in specific situations, such as when contralateral function is suboptimal and the contralateral ureter needs reimplantation. When indicated, reimplantation can be performed successfully if abnormal urodynamic parameters are addressed preoperatively. In fact, treating abnormal urodynamic findings may lead to spontaneous reflux resolution.

Asymptomatic vesicoureteral reflux in children.

Between 1973 and 1992, a routine voiding cystourethrography screening was performed in all children attending our urological clinic. A total of 1023 children were diagnosed as cases of primary vesicoureteral reflux; 166 (210 renal units) of them were asymptomatic and were studied retrospectively. Ninety-one patients presented with enuresis, 39 with hypospadias, 14 with undescended testis, 8 with asymptomatic proteinuria and 14 had other manifestations such as intersexuality, inguinoscrotal swelling, abnormal external genitalia, etc. We documented high-grade reflux (IV-V) in 16.2% and renal scarring in 16.7% of the 210 renal units. None of the children showed features of urinary tract infection (UTI) or had a definite history in the past, but 23.5% of the 166 cases developed UTI during their follow-up period. Spontaneous resolution of reflux was observed in 52.7% of the 150 renal units and progression of renal scarring in 20% during follow-up. Antireflux operation was performed in 15 cases (26 renal units). In 9 children (5.4%) we found gross renal damage which progressed in two cases to end-stage renal disease followed by renal transplantation. A small kidney was noted in 5 patients and hypertension in two. It is concluded that the natural history of asymptomatic reflux is almost the same as in symptomatic reflux. Thus, routine voiding cystourethrography is suggested in all children attending a urological clinic in order to detect reflux as early as possible.

Commentary: importance of antenatal diagnosis of vesicoureteral reflux

AbstractAlthough hydronephrosis detected by prenatal ultrasonography often is assumed to be secondary to obstructive uropathy, in approximately 10% of the cases renal pelvic dilatation results from primary vesicoureteral reflux. More than 80% of neonates with reflux are male and two-thirds have bilateral reflux. Approximately 80% have at least grade III reflux. At birth between a third and half may have reduced renal function on isotope renography, even in the absence of urinary infection. Approximately 20% of neonates with grade IV or V reflux followed nonoperatively experience spontaneous reflux resolution by age 2 years. However, in approximately 25% of boys followed nonoperatively urinary tract infections developed by age 2 years despite antimicrobial prophylaxis. Because the majority of these boys have been uncircumcised, circumcision seems advisable. Ureteral reimplantation should be reserved for those with breakthrough urinary tract infection, new renal scars or persistent high grade reflux.

Followup of Conservatively Treated Children with High and Low Grade Vesicoureteral Reflux: A Prospective Study

A total of 202 children (mean age 31.5 ± 23.3 months) with vesicoureteral reflux identified during the investigation that follows a urinary tract infection entered this prospective study dealing with the medical management of reflux. The diagnosis of vesicoureteral reflux was made significantly earlier in boys than in girls regardless of reflux grade (p <0.001). At entry reflux nephropathy was present on a dimercaptosuccinic acid scan in 44% of 314 refluxing kidneys. There was no significant difference between boys and girls in the prevalence of reflux nephropathy. The renal lesions were more severe in boys independently of the grade of vesicoureteral reflux (p <0.05). Breakthrough urinary tract infection was significantly more common in girls than in boys, regardless of vesicoureteral reflux grade (p <0.05).Mean followup was 68.7 ± 31.2 months. Patient age at the time of the first of 2 radionuclide cystograms without vesicoureteral reflux was considered the age of spontaneous resolution of reflux. Using life table estimations and analyzing data stratified to sex and grade of vesicoureteral reflux, we found that although reflux lasted longer in boys compared to girls, this difference was not statistically significant. During followup new scars developed in 7 patients related to breakthrough urinary tract infection. There was no significant ment of new scars. To understand the natural stratified by sex and grade of reflux.