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Published on: August 9, 2014
Nephrogenic rests: their frequency and their fate
Vito Antonio Caiulo1, Giuseppe Latini, Luigi Cataldi
1Division of Pediatrics, Perrino Hospital, Brindisi, and The Italian Study Group on Neonatal Nephrology of the Italian Society of Neonatology, Pediatric Department, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Roma, Italy.
Nephrogenic rests (NRs), precursor lesions to Wilms tumor, were found in infants at a prevalence of 1.17/10,000. This study supports a "wait and see" approach for incidentally detected NRs in infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Nephrogenic rests (NRs) are recognized as precursor lesions for Wilms tumor, a common pediatric urinary tract malignancy.
- Previous reports on NRs were limited, lacking reliable prevalence data in infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish the prevalence of clinically appreciable nephrogenic rests (NRs) in infants.
- To evaluate the natural history and management strategy for incidentally detected NRs.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of ultrasound mass screening data for urinary tract malformations.
- Inclusion of 17,065 infants screened between 1992 and 2006.
- Calculation of NR prevalence based on incidental diagnoses.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of incidentally diagnosed NRs in infants was determined to be 1.17 per 10,000.
- This finding provides the first reliable estimate of clinically appreciable NRs in this age group.
- Data suggest a potential for spontaneous resolution of NRs in childhood.
Conclusions:
- The "wait and see" management strategy is deemed appropriate for incidentally identified NRs during infant ultrasonographic screening.
- The study contributes to understanding the natural history of NRs and informs clinical practice.
- No false-negative cases were identified, reinforcing the reliability of screening and follow-up.
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