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Sibling vesicoureteral reflux in multiple gestation births
M Kaefer1, M Curran, S T Treves
1Department of Urology, Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. mkaefer@iupui.edu
Pediatrics
|April 1, 2000
Summary
Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) shows high concordance in identical twins, suggesting a strong genetic component. Fraternal twin data further supports an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern for this common genitourinary disease.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Urology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a common inherited genitourinary disease.
- Determining VUR's transmission mode is challenging due to spontaneous resolution.
- This study investigates VUR incidence in multiple gestation siblings, comparing identical and fraternal twins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the genetic basis of Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR).
- To compare VUR prevalence between monozygotic and dizygotic twins.
- To elucidate the inheritance pattern of VUR.
Main Methods:
- Reviewed a decade of cystogram and voiding cystourethrogram data.
- Identified and analyzed multiple gestation births with VUR.
- Excluded secondary causes of VUR and analyzed zygosity, reflux grade, and resolution time.
Main Results:
- 46 twin pairs met inclusion criteria (15 monozygotic, 31 dizygotic).
- VUR was present in 80% of identical twins versus 35% of fraternal twins.
- 100% of youngest monozygotic twins and 50% of youngest dizygotic twins showed VUR.
Conclusions:
- High VUR concordance in identical twins strongly supports a genetic transmission.
- Findings in fraternal twins provide evidence for autosomal dominant inheritance of VUR.
- This research clarifies the genetic underpinnings of VUR.
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