Vesicoureteric reflux in children

Kjell Tullus1

  • 1Department of Nephrology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK.

Lancet (London, England)
|August 29, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Vesicoureteric reflux (VUR), the backward flow of urine to the kidneys, affects many infants. This seminar reviews current management strategies for pediatric VUR, emphasizing updated guidelines and controversial recommendations.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Urology

Background:

  • Vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) involves urine flowing backward from the bladder to the ureters and kidneys, primarily impacting infants.
  • Severe VUR can lead to ureteral and renal pelvis dilation.
  • Recent studies indicate a higher prevalence of VUR in children (25-40%) than previously believed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present data on the management of pediatric vesicoureteric reflux.
  • To offer guidance on navigating current, often controversial, recommendations for VUR management in children.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature and clinical data on pediatric vesicoureteric reflux.
  • Analysis of existing guidelines regarding VUR investigation and treatment.

Main Results:

  • Traditional views on VUR prevalence may be underestimated; current estimates suggest 25-40% of affected children.
  • Guidelines recommend reducing investigations for VUR after febrile urinary tract infections.
  • Prophylactic antibiotics and surgery are advised against for non-severe pediatric VUR cases.

Conclusions:

  • Current management guidelines for pediatric VUR are debated.
  • A critical review of VUR management strategies is necessary for optimal patient care.
  • This seminar aims to provide clarity and suggestions for managing children with VUR.

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...
4.6K
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...
3.4K
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...
4.0K
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...
1.5K
Ureters01:22

Ureters

The ureters are retroperitoneal tubes located on either side of the vertebral column. They are responsible for transporting urine from each kidney to the urinary bladder. These tubes have thick walls and are approximately 25-30 cm long. Their diameter is around 10 mm at the renal pelvis, gradually narrowing to 1 mm as the ureter obliquely enters the posterior bladder wall through the ureteric orifices. The shape of these orifices is slit-like, which helps to prevent urine backflow toward the...
2.1K
Urinary Tract Calculi V: Nursing Management01:28

Urinary Tract Calculi V: Nursing Management

AssessmentSubjective Data: Obtain a detailed health history, including any recent or chronic urinary tract infections, periods of immobilization, previous episodes of renal calculi, and medical conditions such as gout, benign prostatic hyperplasia, or hyperparathyroidism. Review the medication history for drugs that may influence stone formation, including allopurinol, analgesics, loop diuretics, or thiazide diuretics. Document the use of long-term indwelling catheters and any past surgical...
492