Long-term outcome in children after antenatal intervention for obstructive uropathies

Antenatal intervention has been done for fetal obstructive uropathy for over a decade, yet little is known about long-term outcomes. To assess the long-term implications of fetal intervention, we reviewed the outcomes of children who underwent vesicoamniotic shunt placement.

We reviewed the clinical outcomes of 14 children who underwent vesicoamniotic shunt placement at our institution and who survived beyond 2 years of age.

In 1987-96, 34 patients underwent vesicoamniotic shunt placement. 13 died and 21 survived, of whom 17 are now more than 2 years old. Three survivors were lost to follow-up. Mean age at follow-up was 54.3 months (range 25-114). Final diagnoses included prune belly syndrome (seven cases), posterior urethral valves (four), urethral atresia (one), vesicoureteral reflux (one), and megacystis (one). Height was below the 25th percentile in 12 (86%) with seven (50%) below the 5th percentile. Five (36%) had renal failure and had successful transplantation, three (21%) have renal insufficiency, and six (43%) have normal renal function. Seven (50%) are acceptably continent, five (36%) have not yet begun toilet-training, and two (14%) are incontinent. Three of four children with valves needed bladder augmentation.

Antenatal intervention may help those fetuses with the most severe forms of obstructive uropathy, usually associated with a fatal neonatal course. Intervention achieves outcomes similar to less severe cases that are usually diagnosed postnatally.