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Sibling vesicoureteral reflux in twins
Giulia Giannotti1, Maria Menezes, Manuela Hunziker
1National Childrens Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
Pediatric Surgery International
|January 25, 2011
Summary
Familial vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is uncommon in twins, with affected female twins often presenting with high-grade VUR and minimal renal scarring. This suggests a distinct genetic subgroup may be involved.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Genetics
- Urology
Background:
- Familial vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) incidence in multiple gestation births is understudied.
- Understanding VUR in twins is crucial for early diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and characteristics of VUR in twins within families.
- To analyze VUR presentation, grading, laterality, and renal scarring in affected twins.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 251 families (538 children) with familial VUR between 1998-2010.
- VUR diagnosis via voiding cystourethrography (VCUG); renal scarring assessed by dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scans.
- Evaluation of twin incidence, age at presentation, gender, VUR grade, laterality, and scarring.
Main Results:
- VUR was identified in 12 families (4.8%) with affected twins.
- Affected twins were predominantly female (1 male/11 females among siblings) and presented with high-grade VUR (90%).
- Renal scarring was infrequent in affected twins, particularly in siblings.
Conclusions:
- Twins with VUR are predominantly female, often exhibit high-grade reflux, and have a low risk of renal scarring.
- This subgroup may possess unique genetic factors contributing to female preponderance and severe reflux patterns.
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