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1Klinik für Kinderurologie in Kooperation mit der Universität Regensburg, KUNO-Kliniken Standort St. Hedwig, Regensburg.
Insights
Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) management in infants is debated. Endoscopic VUR treatment in infants is not routinely recommended due to high spontaneous resolution rates and immature bladder function, despite its feasibility.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Nephrology
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) management in infants is controversial.
- High spontaneous resolution rates (up to 45%) and immature bladder function characterize VUR in early life.
- Renal hypo-/dysplasia in boys is a significant associated condition (up to 30%).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the current controversial management of VUR in infants.
- To assess the role of endoscopic treatment versus conservative management.
- To analyze outcomes regarding urinary tract infections, renal scarring, and surgical risks.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent literature on VUR management in infants.
- Comparison of outcomes between endoscopic treatment and antibiotic prophylaxis.
- Consideration of anesthesia, recurrence rates, and obstruction risks with surgical interventions.
Main Results:
- Endoscopic treatment for VUR in infants shows no significant difference in preventing urinary tract infections or renal scarring compared to antibiotic prophylaxis.
- Minimally invasive anti-reflux surgery is feasible in infants.
- High spontaneous VUR resolution rates (up to 45%) occur within the first 12-15 months of life.
Conclusions:
- Endoscopic VUR treatment should not be a routine intervention in infants.
- The high rate of spontaneous resolution and immature bladder function in infants necessitate a cautious approach.
- Management decisions must weigh potential benefits against risks like anesthesia and surgical complications.
Abstract:
The current management of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in infants remains controversial. Parameters such as high spontaneous resolution rates even in high-grade reflux in up to 45 %, associated renal hypo-/dysplasia in boys in up to 30 % and immature bladder function characterise the condition in early life. In this context, the reflux per se has become less important. This makes it all the more surprising that endoscopic treatment is recommended in recent papers to eliminate or downgrade the reflux in infants as an alternative to conservative treatment regimes. Compared with antibiotic prophylaxis, there is no difference in outcomes regarding new episodes of urinary tract infections or renal scarring. On the other hand, the necessity of anaesthesia, considerable reflux recurrence rates and the risk of obstruction in the short and long-term follow-up must be taken into consideration. Minimally-invasive anti-reflux surgery techniques are feasible also in infants. However, in due consideration of the high spontaneous resolution rates of reflux during the first 12 to 15 months of life and the fact that bladder function is still immature at that age, they should not be used as routine interventions.
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