Occurrence of vesicoureteral reflux in children

M Venhola1, A Hannula, N-P Huttunen

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital, Oulu, Finland. mika.venhola@ppshp.fi

Insights

Vesicoureteral reflux is more common in children than previously believed, occurring independently of urinary tract infections. Current guidelines for diagnosing reflux may need revision.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Urology
  • Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

  • Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is often considered rare in the general population.
  • Previous assumptions suggest a strong link between VUR and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the actual prevalence of VUR in children under 5 years old.
  • To determine if VUR occurs independently of UTIs.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 406 children under 5 years with suspected UTIs.
  • Evaluation of UTI diagnostic reliability and VUR frequencies across different diagnostic certainty groups.
  • Assessment of abnormal ultrasound findings in relation to UTI certainty.

Main Results:

  • VUR prevalence was consistent across all UTI diagnostic reliability groups (36% in certain UTI, 28% in possible UTI, 36% in improbable UTI).
  • Abnormal ultrasound findings were predominantly observed in children with a confirmed UTI diagnosis (80%).

Conclusions:

  • Vesicoureteral reflux appears more prevalent in children than previously thought, even in the absence of UTIs.
  • Current guidelines recommending voiding cystourethrography for reflux detection may require reevaluation.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Imaging Studies VI: Voiding Cystourethrography and Cystography01:22

Imaging Studies VI: Voiding Cystourethrography and Cystography

Voiding Cystourethrography (VCUG) and Cystography are specialized radiographic procedures used to examine the structure and function of the bladder and urethra.Voiding Cystourethrography (VCUG)A Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG) is a diagnostic imaging procedure that assesses the anatomy and function of the lower urinary tract. It focuses on the bladder, bladder neck, and urethra, helping detect abnormalities such as vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)—the backward or reverse flow of urine into the...
The Micturition Reflex01:26

The Micturition Reflex

Urination, or micturition involves the coordination of the bladder's detrusor muscle and two sphincters to ensure controlled bladder emptying.
The process begins with bladder filling, where the bladder wall stretches as urine accumulates. This stretching activates the urine storage reflex, mediated by the sacral spinal segments and the pontine storage center. Efferent sympathetic impulses stimulate the detrusor muscle to relax and the internal urethral sphincter to contract, facilitating urine...
Urinary Tract Calculi II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations01:26

Urinary Tract Calculi II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations

Renal calculi, commonly termed kidney stones, are crystalline solid masses that form in the kidneys but can occur at any point within the urinary system, encompassing the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.The pathophysiology of renal stones involves several key factors: supersaturation of the urine with stone-forming constituents, changes in urine pH, a decrease in urine volume, and the presence of substances that promote or inhibit stone formation.Supersaturation of Urine: This is the...
Imaging Studies V: Intravenous Urography and Retrograde Pyelography01:22

Imaging Studies V: Intravenous Urography and Retrograde Pyelography

IntroductionIntravenous Urography (IVU) and Retrograde Pyelography (RP) are important diagnostic imaging techniques used to evaluate the urinary system. These methods help identify structural abnormalities, obstructions, and functional issues in the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. Both procedures use iodine-based contrast media to enhance the visibility of urinary tract structures on X-ray images, though they differ in their methods and indications.1. Intravenous Urography (IVU)Intravenous...
Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction01:27

Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction

Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the renal parenchyma and collecting system, including the renal pelvis, tubules, and interstitial tissue of one or both kidneys. It can be classified as either acute—a sudden, severe infection—or chronic, which refers to long-term or recurrent kidney infections.The primary cause of acute pyelonephritis (APN) is bacterial infection, with Escherichia coli accounting for approximately 70-80% of cases. Other bacteria, such as Proteus,...
Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure01:26

Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure

Preoperative ManagementThe primary goals of preoperative management in kidney transplantation are to optimize the patient’s metabolic state and prepare them for surgery through diet adjustments, necessary dialysis, and tailored medical treatment. This phase also involves comprehensive infection screening and patient education about the surgical procedure and postoperative care to improve outcomes and adherence.Medical ManagementA comprehensive evaluation is required for both the living donor...