[Fetal uropathies. Diagnostic and therapeutic problems]

Based on the experience of 63 antenatal diagnosis of fetal uropathies, the authors discuss the diagnostic problems, practical implications of antenatal diagnosis and potential indications of in utero interventions. A correct diagnosis was established in 43 out of the 63 cases (70%). Diagnostic problems were encountered in differentiating between multicystic dysplastic kidneys and uretero-pelvic junction obstruction, dilatation due to reflux or from obstruction and from the lack of visualisation of small hypoplastic kidneys. Transitory urinary tract dilatations were found in 14 cases (22%) and can be responsible for additional false positive findings. Evaluation of the thoracic development and amniotic fluid must be part of the examination since they are related to severe obstructive uropathy. Repeated examinations are necessary in these cases. In evaluating the eventual benefit of an in utero decompression one should keep in mind the diagnostic difficulties but mainly the time of diagnosis of most uropathies when related to the time of its onset during morphogenesis and the absence of any reliable method of evaluation of fetal renal function. This leads the authors to consider that at the present time there are no real indication for in utero intervention. The major benefit of prenatal echography is to allow early recognition of major uropathies before postnatal infection worsens it prognosis.