Therapy insight: What nephrologists need to know about primary vesicoureteral reflux

Patricio C Gargollo1, David A Diamond

  • 1Harvard Medical School, and Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, MA 02115, USA.

Insights

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a condition where urine flows backward into the kidneys. Understanding its link to lower urinary tract dysfunction improves diagnosis and management.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Urology

Background:

  • Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) involves abnormal backward urine flow from the bladder to the kidneys.
  • It affects 1% of healthy children and a higher percentage of those with urinary tract infections or prenatal hydronephrosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the pathogenesis, diagnosis, management, and clinical presentation of VUR.
  • To discuss current controversies and the understanding of VUR as part of dysfunctional elimination syndrome.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of VUR diagnosis and treatment over the past 50 years.
  • Synthesis of current knowledge on VUR pathogenesis and clinical management.

Main Results:

  • Significant advancements in VUR diagnosis and treatment have occurred.
  • VUR is increasingly recognized as a component of generalized lower urinary tract dysfunction.

Conclusions:

  • Improved understanding of VUR's relationship with dysfunctional elimination syndrome enhances management strategies.
  • Ongoing research and discussion address current controversies in VUR care.

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