Clues to neonatal genitourinary problems

Most neonatal genitourinary problems are due to congenital anomalies. The first clues to urinary dysfunction are the quantity and quality of the urinary stream, and this should be scrutinized in every newborn. Common signs of dysfunction include anuria, hematuria, and masses. Anuria may be caused by obstruction, a vascular disorder, or renal agenesis or dysplasia. In the male, obstruction is commonly caused by posterior urethral valves. A mass may be a bladder distended by obstruction, a persistent urachus, a hydronephrotic or dysplastic kidney, or scrotal enlargement due to spermatic cord torsion.