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Published on: June 21, 2024
The prognostic impact of an abnormal initial renal ultrasound on early reflux resolution
Kenneth G Nepple1, Angela M Arlen, J Christopher Austin
1University of Iowa, Division of Pediatric Urology, Iowa City, IA, USA.
Insights
Abnormal renal ultrasound findings in children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) are linked to lower resolution rates. Moderate hydronephrosis on ultrasound may predict poor VUR resolution.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Diagnostic Imaging in Urology
- Renal Ultrasound and VUR
Background:
- Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a common condition in children.
- Early identification of prognostic factors for VUR resolution is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate renal ultrasound findings in children with VUR.
- To assess the prognostic impact of ultrasound findings on VUR resolution.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for children with primary VUR.
- Analysis of initial renal ultrasound findings (hydronephrosis, renal size difference).
- VUR resolution assessed at 2 years post-diagnosis.
Main Results:
- 30% of children with VUR had abnormal renal ultrasounds.
- Abnormal ultrasounds were associated with significantly lower VUR resolution rates (21% vs. 46%).
- Moderate hydronephrosis predicted abnormal renal scans and failure to resolve VUR within 2 years.
Conclusions:
- Abnormal renal ultrasound findings are common in pediatric VUR.
- Ultrasound findings, particularly moderate hydronephrosis, can predict poor VUR resolution outcomes.
Objective:
In a group of children diagnosed with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) we evaluated renal ultrasound findings, associated findings on renal scan, and prognostic impact on VUR resolution.
Methods:
Medical records were reviewed for children with primary reflux and no history of antenatal hydronephrosis who underwent an initial renal ultrasound. Abnormal renal ultrasound was defined as hydronephrosis or relative difference in renal size ≥1 cm. Reflux resolution was evaluated at 2 years post diagnosis.
Results:
In 129 children with VUR (111 girls, 18 boys), 39 (30%) had an abnormal renal ultrasound. Two-year VUR resolution in the abnormal renal ultrasound group was 21% versus 46% in the group with normal renal ultrasound (P = 0.01). Combining grade II and III reflux, an abnormal ultrasound was associated with a statistically significantly lower resolution rate (grade II-III 23% vs 47%, P = 0.049). For children with moderate hydronephrosis, 8/9 (89%) had abnormal initial renal scans and all failed to achieve resolution of reflux at 2 years.
Conclusions:
In this cohort of children with VUR, 30% had abnormalities on renal ultrasound. The presence of moderate hydronephrosis on ultrasound may indicate a high likelihood of abnormality on renal scan and failure to achieve early resolution of VUR.
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