Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 9, 2026

Assessing Urinary Tract Junction Obstruction Defects by Methylene Blue Dye Injection
06:05

Assessing Urinary Tract Junction Obstruction Defects by Methylene Blue Dye Injection

Published on: October 12, 2017

Primary vesicoureteric reflux and renal damage in the first year of life

G Lama1, M Russo, E De Rosa

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Second University of Naples, Via S. Andrea delle Dame 4, 80138 Naples, Italy. giuliana.lama@unina2.it

Pediatric Nephrology (Berlin, Germany)
|January 10, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Primary vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) in infants presents differently based on diagnosis. Prenatal VUR is often severe and affects males, while post-UTI VUR is more common in females and typically mild.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Urology
  • Nephrology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) is a common congenital anomaly in children.
  • Prenatal hydronephrosis and urinary tract infections (UTIs) are key indicators for VUR diagnosis.
  • Early detection and management of VUR are crucial to prevent renal damage.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the characteristics and outcomes of primary VUR diagnosed prenatally versus post-UTI in children.
  • To identify risk factors and patterns of renal damage associated with different VUR diagnostic pathways.
  • To emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and follow-up for all infants with primary VUR.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 93 children with primary VUR.
  • Classification of VUR severity (grades I-V) and laterality (unilateral/bilateral).
  • Assessment of renal damage (RD) at diagnosis and correlation with sex and diagnostic group.

Main Results:

  • Prenatal VUR (Group A) predominantly affected males (25/34), was severe (75%), and often presented with renal damage (85%).
  • Post-UTI VUR (Group B) was more common in females (37/59), frequently mild (70%), with renal damage in 63% of cases.
  • Renal damage was more prevalent in males with prenatal VUR (88%) and females with post-UTI VUR (66%).

Conclusions:

  • Primary VUR associated with prenatal hydronephrosis typically affects males and is severe.
  • VUR diagnosed after UTI is more common in females and often mild.
  • Early diagnosis and vigilant follow-up are essential for all infants with primary VUR to prevent progression of renal damage.

More Related Videos

An Immature Murine Model of Reversible Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction06:37

An Immature Murine Model of Reversible Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction

Published on: April 4, 2025

Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty via Transmesenteric Approach for Pediatric Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction06:08

Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty via Transmesenteric Approach for Pediatric Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction

Published on: July 7, 2026

Related Concept Videos

Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction01:27

Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction

Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the renal parenchyma and collecting system, including the renal pelvis, tubules, and interstitial tissue of one or both kidneys. It can be classified as either acute—a sudden, severe infection—or chronic, which refers to long-term or recurrent kidney infections.The primary cause of acute pyelonephritis (APN) is bacterial infection, with Escherichia coli accounting for approximately 70-80% of cases. Other bacteria, such as Proteus,...
Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology01:29

Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology

Acute kidney injury (AKI) causes are categorized into three primary categories based on the location of the injury: prerenal, intrarenal (or intrinsic), and postrenal causes. This classification guides clinical management and illustrates how different pathways can impair kidney function.Etiology and Pathophysiology of Acute Kidney Injury1. Prerenal causesEtiology: Prerenal Acute Kidney Injury, the most common type, occurs when reduced blood flow to the kidneys decreases filtration capacity...
Acute Kidney Injury III: Clinical Manifestations01:29

Acute Kidney Injury III: Clinical Manifestations

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) progresses through distinct clinical phases: the oliguric, diuretic, and recovery phases, each marked by unique manifestations and challenges.Oliguric Phase:The oliguric phase is the initial stage of AKI, typically lasting 10 to 14 days. This phase is marked by a significant reduction in urine output, usually less than 400 mL per day, indicating decreased kidney function. Fluid retention is a prominent feature, leading to symptoms such as edema, hypertension, and...
Disorders of the Urinary System01:20

Disorders of the Urinary System

The urinary system is responsible for eliminating waste and excess fluids from the body. However, disorders of the urinary system can arise due to various reasons like infections, stress, age, congenital abnormalities, and lifestyle.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common urinary system disorders. They are caused by bacteria that enter the urethra and can spread to the bladder resulting in cystitis. Pyelonephritis is the result of a UTI that has ascended to the level of the...
Urinary Tract Calculi II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations01:26

Urinary Tract Calculi II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations

Renal calculi, commonly termed kidney stones, are crystalline solid masses that form in the kidneys but can occur at any point within the urinary system, encompassing the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.The pathophysiology of renal stones involves several key factors: supersaturation of the urine with stone-forming constituents, changes in urine pH, a decrease in urine volume, and the presence of substances that promote or inhibit stone formation.Supersaturation of Urine: This is the...
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention01:30

Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention

Accurate diagnosis and effective prevention are critical in managing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), which is linked to high mortality rates ranging from 10% to 80%. Timely recognition of at-risk patients and careful monitoring can significantly reduce the likelihood of kidney damage.Diagnostic Assessments:The diagnostic process starts with a comprehensive medical history to identify prerenal, intrarenal, and postrenal causes.Prerenal causes, such as dehydration, hypotension, or blood loss, should...