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An Immature Murine Model of Reversible Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction
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Vesicoureteral reflux increases the risk of renal scars: a study of unilateral reflux

Joo Hoon Lee1, Chang Hee Son, Moo Song Lee

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.

Pediatric Nephrology (Berlin, Germany)
|June 23, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) significantly increases the risk of kidney scarring after acute pyelonephritis in children. Early diagnosis and monitoring are crucial for managing VUR and preventing renal damage.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Urology
  • Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

  • Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a common condition in children.
  • Acute pyelonephritis, a kidney infection, can lead to renal scarring.
  • The relationship between VUR and renal scarring post-pyelonephritis requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of VUR on renal scar formation following acute pyelonephritis.
  • To compare renal units with and without VUR in children diagnosed with unilateral primary VUR.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of 48 children with unilateral primary VUR.
  • Renal ultrasonography, 99m-technetium dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scans, and voiding cystourethrography (VCU) were performed.
  • DMSA scans were repeated at six months to assess for renal scars.

Main Results:

  • Initial DMSA scans revealed renal defects in 70.8% of refluxing units versus 27.1% of non-refluxing units.
  • At six months, renal scars were present in 47.9% of refluxing units compared to 14.6% of non-refluxing units.
  • Higher CRP levels on admission correlated with acute renal defects and scars.

Conclusions:

  • VUR is a significant risk factor for developing renal scars after acute pyelonephritis in children.
  • The grade of VUR did not significantly influence the prevalence of renal scars.
  • Findings underscore the importance of managing VUR to prevent long-term renal damage.

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