Effect of pregnancy on moderate renal failure in reflux nephropathy

During a 10 year study of women with reflux nephropathy 20 women had plasma creatinine concentrations in the range 0.2-0.4 mmol/l (2.3-4.5 mg/100 ml). Six experienced pregnancies exceeding 12 weeks' gestation. Pregnancy was associated with rapid deterioration in function in all six, resulting in end stage renal failure in four women within two years after delivery despite adequate control of blood pressure. Of the 14 women who did not have a prolonged pregnancy, four had periods of uncontrolled hypertension, all of which were related to non-compliance or loss from follow up, or both. Uncontrolled hypertension was also associated with accelerated renal failure, and all four women progressed quickly to end stage renal failure. The remaining 10 women were observed for from five to 10 years; in all 10 renal function deteriorated slowly, and none reached end stage renal failure within seven years. It is concluded that pregnancy in patients with reflux nephropathy and moderately severe renal failure has a deleterious effect on renal function.