[Vesico-ureteral reflux in patients with terminal renal failure. II. Causes of reflux (author's transl)]

The causes of the high incidence of vesicoureteral reflux in 161 patients with end stage renal disease was studied. In about half of these patients with pyelonephritis, reflux in combination with urinary tract infections is the cause of renal failure. Reflux is therefore found more often in this specific group. The incidence of reflux correlates with the duration of uremia. Reflux also is more common in patients with little or no diuresis. Theories of reflux into the "unused ureter" are discussed.