Hypertension as complication of vesicoureteral reflux in children

Eight cases are reported of female children presenting with hypertension and found to have primary vesicoureteral reflux with chronic pyelonephritis. In 6 patients renal function was essentially normal while 2 had azotemia and progessive renal deterioration. As a result of early surgical intervention in the form of antireflux procedures, occasionally combined with unilateral nephrectomy for renin-dependent lesions, 5 of the 8 had complete disappearance or amelioration of hypertension with stabilization of renal function. The interactions of each member of the triad--vesicoureteral reflux, pyelonephritis, and hypertension--are reviewed with emphasis on pertinent pathophysiologic concepts regarding their roles in the production of progressive renal deterioration.