The transmission of vesicoureteral reflux from parent to child

H N Noe1, R J Wyatt, J N Peeden

  • 1Department of Urology (Division of Pediatric Urology), LeBonheur Children's Medical Center, Memphis, Tennessee.

The Journal of Urology
|December 11, 1992
PubMed

Insights

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is hereditary. Screening offspring of VUR patients revealed a 66% incidence, suggesting a need for genetic counseling and potential autosomal dominant inheritance.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Urology
  • Medical Genetics

Background:

  • Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is increasingly recognized as a hereditary and familial condition.
  • While sibling incidence is significant, data on offspring is less established.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of VUR in offspring of known VUR patients.
  • To evaluate the genetic transmission patterns of VUR.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective screening of 36 offspring from 23 childbearing-aged VUR patients using awake voiding cystourethrogram.
  • Literature review of reported parent/child VUR cases.

Main Results:

  • 66% (24/36) of offspring screened exhibited VUR.
  • Literature review indicated a 65% incidence rate of VUR in offspring of known patients.

Conclusions:

  • High incidence in offspring supports the need for screening and genetic counseling.
  • Findings suggest reconsidering VUR's genetic transmission, potentially including an autosomal dominant pattern.

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