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Pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction in children: the role of urinary transforming growth factor-beta and epidermal
Mohamed A Taha1, Ahmed A Shokeir, Hussein G Osman
1Mansoura Urology and Nephrology Centre and Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
Insights
Urinary transforming growth factor beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) shows promise for monitoring children with pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction (PUJO) post-surgery. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is not recommended for diagnosis in these cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Biomarker Discovery
- Nephrology
Background:
- Pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction (PUJO) is a common congenital anomaly in children.
- Noninvasive diagnostic and follow-up tools for PUJO are crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic and follow-up utility of urinary transforming growth factor beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) in pediatric PUJO.
- To assess the potential of these biomarkers in voided urine for children with PUJO.
Main Methods:
- The study included 35 children with unilateral PUJO undergoing pyeloplasty and 30 healthy controls.
- Urinary TGF-beta(1) and EGF levels were measured in pre-operative bladder samples and serial voided samples post-surgery.
- Statistical analysis was performed to determine sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values.
Main Results:
- Urinary TGF-beta(1) levels were significantly higher in PUJO patients pre-surgery compared to controls.
- A TGF-beta(1) threshold of 190 pg/mg creatinine demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy (90.8%).
- Urinary TGF-beta(1) levels decreased significantly one year post-pyeloplasty, while EGF showed no significant diagnostic or follow-up value.
Conclusions:
- Urinary TGF-beta(1) is a valuable noninvasive biomarker for the long-term follow-up of pediatric PUJO after pyeloplasty.
- Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is not recommended for routine diagnosis or follow-up of hydronephrosis in children.
- Further research is needed to confirm the diagnostic accuracy of TGF-beta(1) in pediatric PUJO.
Objectives:
To investigate the role of transforming growth factor beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) in voided urine for the diagnosis and follow-up of children with pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction (PUJO).
Patients, Subjects And Methods:
The study included 35 children with unilateral PUJO who had a pyeloplasty, and 30 healthy control children. Urine samples were obtained from the bladders of patients before surgery, and as voided samples at 1, 2, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after surgery. Bladder urine samples were also collected from all 30 children in the control group. TGF-beta(1) and EGF were then measured in all the urine samples.
Results:
The level of bladder TGF-beta(1) before surgery in the patients was significantly higher than that in the healthy control group. A threshold of 190 pg/mg creatinine gave a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 80%, a positive predictive value of 85.4%, negative predictive value of 100% and an overall accuracy of 90.8%. Compared with the value before surgery, urinary TGF-beta(1) was significantly lower at 1 year after pyeloplasty. There was no significant difference between the level of EGF before surgery in the patients and that in the control group, and no significant difference in the level of EGF before and after surgery over the follow-up.
Conclusion:
We do not recommend using EGF levels in voided urine in the routine diagnosis of children with hydronephrosis. The urinary level of TGF-beta(1) is a useful noninvasive tool for the long-term follow-up of children with PUJO treated by pyeloplasty. Further studies with various controls are required to confirm the diagnostic accuracy of TGF-beta(1) in children with PUJO.
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