Posterior urethral valve: Outcome of antenatal intervention

Antenatal treatment of obstructive uropathy, although widely performed, remains controversial. This study evaluated the long-term outcome of managing patients with posterior urethral valves (PUV), highlighting the effect of antenatal vesicoamniotic shunt placement for patients who underwent fetal surgery.

The medical records of 58 patients with PUV were retrospectively reviewed from June 1998 to June 2004. On the basis of prenatal assessment of sonographic findings and serial urinary electrolytes and protein measurements, patients were divided into two groups: group 1 comprised patients who had antenatal vesicoamniotic shunt placement whereas group 2 comprised patients who underwent postnatal surgical correction of PUV. Their outcomes and long-term results were evaluated.

Patients were followed up from 6 months to 6(1/2) years (mean 3.9 years). Group 1 included 12 patients who had vesicoamniotic shunt placement and were confirmed postnatally to have PUV. Four patients out of 12 died (33.3%); three out of the eight living patients had perinatal complications. Of the eight living patients, three (37.5%) underwent valve ablation and five (62.5%) underwent urinary diversion (three vesicostomies and two cutaneous ureterostomies). Renal function returned to normal in only four patients (50%). Radiological abnormalities (hydronephrosis and/or reflux) resolved in three (37.5%) patients, was downgraded in one (12.5%) patient and persisted in four patients (50%). Group 2 included 46 patients who were treated postnatally. Thirty-five patients (76%) underwent primary valve ablation, while 11 (24%) underwent urinary diversion (seven vesicostomies, four cutaneous ureterostomy and one pyelostomy). Renal function returned to normal in all patients who underwent valve ablation, except in three, while renal function returned to normal in only three of 11 patients who underwent urinary diversion. Radiological hydronephrosis and/or reflux resolved in 28 patients (60.9%), was downgraded in six patients (13%) and persisted in 12 patients (26.1%).

Antenatal vesicoamniotic shunt placement makes no difference to the outcome and long-term results of patients with PUV and debate about its efficacy on renal outcome remains. Primary valve ablation is the keystone of treatment for patients with PUV that might achieve the primary goal of nephron preservation. The lowest creatinine concentration in the first year of life is the most appropriate predictor of future renal function.