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Is it practical to screen for familial vesicoureteral reflux within a private pediatric practice?
1University of Tennessee, Department of Pediatrics, Knoxville.
Insights
The risk of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in siblings of affected children is significant, with a 46% incidence found in this study. This highlights the importance of screening family members for early detection and management of VUR.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Genetics
- Urology
Background:
- Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a common condition in children.
- Identifying risk factors for VUR is crucial for early diagnosis and management.
- Sibling screening is a potential strategy for early VUR detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and severity of VUR in siblings of children diagnosed with VUR.
- To assess the significance of familial risk for VUR.
- To compare the risk of VUR in siblings to that following a urinary tract infection.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study was conducted in a private pediatric practice.
- Twenty-four siblings of 18 children with known VUR were evaluated.
- Vesicoureteral reflux was identified through diagnostic assessments.
Main Results:
- The incidence of VUR among the studied siblings was 46% (11 out of 24).
- The risk of VUR in siblings is comparable to the risk observed after a urinary tract infection.
- The severity and outcomes within the sibling group were analyzed.
Conclusions:
- A significant risk of VUR exists in siblings of children with VUR.
- Familial screening for VUR should be considered in pediatric practice.
- Further investigation into the inheritance patterns of VUR is warranted.
Abstract:
A prospective study was established within a private pediatric practice to identify the incidence and severity of vesicoureteral reflux in the siblings of patients known to have reflux. Twenty-four siblings of 18 children with reflux were studied. Eleven of these siblings were found to have reflux for an incidence of 46%. The risk of reflux in siblings of known children with reflux is thus significant and, at least in this study, compares with the risk of reflux after urinary tract infection. The outcome of the sibling group is discussed, along with our thoughts on the possible modes of inheritance of this disorder.