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[Familial vesicoureteral reflux]
Insights
Familial primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is common. Aggressive family studies are essential for detecting asymptomatic VUR in siblings, preventing potential kidney damage.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Genetics
- Urology
Background:
- Primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a significant condition in children.
- Familial occurrence of VUR necessitates understanding genetic predispositions and transmission patterns.
Observation:
- A study identified 9 cases of familial primary VUR among 43 treated patients.
- VUR was diagnosed in 5 of 7 siblings (71%) through prospective family screening.
- Asymptomatic cases, including one pre-uremic child, were detected via family studies.
Findings:
- A high incidence of familial VUR was observed, with siblings being primarily affected.
- Prospective family studies are crucial for identifying subclinical or asymptomatic VUR cases.
- Early detection through family screening can prevent severe renal complications.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of genetic counseling and family screening for VUR.
- Suggests a need for revised diagnostic protocols emphasizing familial VUR.
- Underscores the potential for early intervention to improve long-term renal outcomes in affected families.
Abstract:
Between August 1979 and January 1983, 43 cases of primary vesicoureteral reflux were treated in our hospital. Among them 9 cases of 4 families occurred familially. They were all siblings: 3 boys and 6 girls aged between 2 years and 10 years. Five cases except for 4 probands of each sibling were discovered after aggressive prospective family study, but they had no clinical symptoms that suspected vesicoureteral reflux; one of them was found to be in a preuremic condition. The other 2 siblings were examined by a prospective family study but demonstrated no vesicoureteral reflux. Therefore, vesicoureteral reflux could be demonstrated in 5 of the 7 siblings who had been examined by a prospective family study. This rate was significantly high (71%). Discussion is made about the necessity of prospective family study to discover asymptomatic patients with vesicoureteral reflux in the family, and the literature is reviewed.