Dynamic and static ultrasound features predictive of vesicoureteral reflux and renal damage in children and adolescents with neurogenic bladder

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the diagnostic accuracy of dynamic and static ultrasound (DSUS) in detecting vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and renal scarring in a cohort of children with neurogenic bladder (NB). Materials and Methods: A retrospective, longitudinal, observational study was conducted using the Reporting Diagnostic Accuracy Studies guideline. The DSUS (index test) data were compared with voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) and renal scintigraphy 99mTc-dimercaptosuccinic (reference tests). Overall performance for predicting VUR and renal scarring was assessed using renal pelvic diameter (RPD)/distal ureteral diameter and renal parenchymal thinning on DSUS, respectively. Results: A total of 107 patients (66 girls, median age 9.6 years) participated. Seventeen patients (15.9%) presented VUR, eight bilateral. For overall reflux grade, the AUC was 0.624 for RPD and 0.630 for distal ureteral diameter. The diagnostic performance for detecting high-grade VUR was slightly better for DSUS parameters. The AUC was 0.666 for RPD and 0.691 for distal ureteral diameter. The cut-offs of 5 mm for RPD and 6.5 mm for distal ureteral diameter presented the best diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) to identify high-grade VUR. The increase of RPD during detrusor contractions showed an accuracy of 89.2%. The thinness of renal parenchyma presented an accuracy of 88% for renal scarring. Conclusion: DSUS predicts VUR and renal scarring in children with NB with fair to good accuracy, and all measurements exhibited a high negative predictive value (NPV). The increase in RPD during voiding or detrusor contractions proved to be the most accurate parameter for indicating the presence of VUR in this study.

Seguimiento de dilatación del tracto urinario neonatal diagnosticada en la evaluación de infección del tracto urinario

Objetivo: Mostrar las características y seguimiento de la dilatación del tracto urinario en recién nacidos con infección del tracto urinario. Métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, realizado desde 1992 hasta 2019, en neonatos ingresados con infección del tracto urinario. A todos se les realizó ultrasonido renal y uretrocistografía miccional. Se analizaron las características clínicas y de radioimagen de presentación en el seguimiento de la dilatación del tracto urinario. Resultados: Se estudiaron 403 pacientes. La mediana de seguimiento fue de 13 meses. El ultrasonido renal resultó positivo para dilatación del tracto urinario en 148 (36,7 %). Predominaron los grados de dilatación ligera (5-10 mm.) sobre grados moderados y severos. En 38 casos (9,4 %) la dilatación del tracto urinario se asoció a reflujo vésico-ureteral. La condición más común fue la dilatación transitoria con una mediana de desaparición de la dilatación 5 meses. Hubo asociación estadística significativa de la desaparición de la dilatación del tracto urinario con el grado de esta y entre aquellos casos calificados de transitoria con los otros portadores de alguna anomalía del tracto urinario que también tuvieron desaparición de la dilatación en algún momento de su evolución. Conclusiones: Cerca de una tercera parte de los neonatos con infección del tracto urinario tuvieron dilatación del tracto urinario en ultrasonido renal, con predominio de grado ligero, como probable expresión de una anomalía del tracto urinario subyacente. Con frecuencia ocurre resolución de la dilatación del tracto urinario en aquellos casos no asociados con anomalía del tracto urinario, habitualmente dentro del primer año de vida.

OBjective: To show the characteristics and follow-up of urinary tract dilatation in neonates with urinary tract infection. Methods: Observational, descriptive study performed from 1992 to 2019, in neonates admitted with urinary tract infection. All underwent renal ultrasound and voiding urethrocystography. The clinical and radioimaging features of presentation were analyzed in the follow-up of urinary tract dilatation, Results: 403 patients were studied. The median follow-up was 13 months. Renal ultrasound was positive for urinary tract dilatation in 148 (36.7%). Mild degrees of dilatation (5-10 mm) predominated over moderate and severe degrees. In 38 cases (9.4%) urinary tract dilatation was associated with vesico-ureteral reflux. The most common condition was transient dilatation with a median disappearance of dilatation 5 months. There was significant statistical association of the disappearance of urinary tract dilatation with the degree of dilatation and between those cases qualified as transient with the other carriers of some urinary tract anomaly who also had disappearance of dilatation at some point in their evolution. Conclusions: About one third of neonates with urinary tract infection had dilatation of the urinary tract on renal ultrasound, predominantly of mild degree, probably expression of an underlying anomaly. Resolution of dilatation frequently occurs in those cases not associated with urinary tract anomaly, usually within the first year of life.

Clinical characteristics and risk factors of acute focal bacterial nephritis in children / 中华肾脏病杂志

Objective:To summarize and analyze the clinical features and risk factors of acute focal bacterial nephritis (AFBN) in children.Methods:It was a retrospective cohort study. The clinical data of patients diagnosed with upper urinary tract infection in Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics from July 1, 2016 to July 31, 2021 were collected, and the patients all received abdominal enhanced CT examination. According to the imaging examination results, the patients were divided into AFBN group and acute pyelonephritis (APN) group, and the clinical manifestations, laboratory and imaging examination between the two groups were compared. Logistic regression model and receiver operating characteristic curve were used to analyze the risk factors of AFBN.Results:A total of 135 patients with upper urinary tract infection were enrolled in this study, with age of 2.5 (0.5, 3.7) years old, and 68 males (50.4%). There were 67 patients (49.6%) in AFBN group and 68 patients (50.4%) in APN group. There were statistically significant differences in the highest fever temperature, duration of fever after treatment, proportion of lower urinary tract irritation symptoms, proportion of urinary tract malformation or abnormality, white blood cell count, neutrophil count, procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, proportion of pyuria, urinary β2 microglobulin and proportion of using carbapenem antibiotics between the two groups (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis result showed that urinary tract malformation/abnormality ( OR=3.34, 95% CI 1.23-9.10) and leukocytosis ( OR=1.25, 95% CI 1.03-1.51) were the independent risk factors of AFBN. Conclusions:The children with urinary tract infection who have high peak fever, long duration, obvious increase of inflammatory indexes and urinary β2 microglobulin may suggest AFBN. Urinary tract malformation/abnormality and high white blood cells are risk factors of AFBN.

Características epidemiológicas, clínicas y microbiológicas de la infección del tracto urinario neonatal en un hospital en Medellín, 2013-2017 / Epidemiologic clinical and microbiological features of neonatal urinary tract infection in a hospital in Medellín, 2013-2017

RESUMEN Objetivo: describir las características epidemiológicas, clínicas y microbiológicas de la infección del tracto urinario neonatal. Métodos: estudio descriptivo retrospectivo en neonatos con infección urinaria hospitalizados en una institución de Medellín entre enero del 2013 y diciembre del 2017. Se recolectaron datos de las historias clínicas. Las variables cualitativas se expresaron en forma de frecuencias absolutas y relativas, las cuantitativas se presentaron como promedio y desviación estándar o mediana y rangos intercuartílicos. Resultados: se incluyeron 65 pacientes. Los uropatógenos más comunes fueron Escherichia coli (52 %) y Enterococcus faecalis (20 %). Las manifestaciones clínicas más frecuentes fueron la fiebre (46 %), la ictericia (38 %) y las apneas (15 %). La proteína Creactiva elevada se presentó en el 28 % de los casos. En el uroanálisis, el hallazgo anormal predominante fueron las esterasas leucocitarias en el 65 %. Hubo 15 casos (23 %) de infecciones nosocomiales. Por ecografía renal se encontró una malformación genitourinaria en el 25 % de los pacientes. De los 35 neonatos con cistouretrografía miccional hospitalaria, el 17 % tenía reflujo vesicoureteral, el 67 % tuvo ecografía renal normal y el 83 % tuvo un aislamiento diferente a Escherichia coli. Dos pacientes presentaron bacteriemia y uno meningitis. Conclusión: la infección urinaria neonatal tuvo manifestaciones clínicas variadas, donde la fiebre y la proteína C reactiva no fueron marcadores comunes de la respuesta inflamatoria. En este estudio una ecografía renal normal no descarta la posibilidad del reflujo vesicoureteral, por ello debe tenerse en cuenta otros criterios para seleccionar los pacientes que requieren de estudio de reflujo.

SUMMARY Objective: To describe de epidemiological, clinical, and microbiological features of neonatal urinary tract infection. Methods: A descriptive retrospective study of neonates with urinary tract infection admitted to Clinica Universitaria Bolivariana (Medellín, Colombia) between January 2013 and December 2017. Data about urinary tract infection features were collected from the clinical records of the hospital. For data analysis, qualitative variables were presented as absolute and relative frequencies, and quantitative variables were presented as mean and standard deviation or median and interquartile ranges. Results: Sixty-five patients were included. The most common uropathogens were Escherichia coli (52%) and Enterococcus faecalis (20%). The most frequent clinical features were fever (46%), jaundice (38%) and apneas (15%). Of 21 patients, 28% had C reactive protein raised. Urine dipstick test was positive for leukocyte esterase in 65%. There were 15 nosocomial infections (23%). Renal ultrasound was performed in all patients, of which 25% had congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract. Voiding cystourethrogram was performed in 35 patients, of which 17% had vesicoureteral reflux; 67% of them had a normal renal ultrasound and 83% of them had a non-Escherichia coli bacteria isolation. Two patients had bacteremia and one patient had meningitis. Conclusions: neonatal urinary tract infection is a disease with multiple clinical manifestations, where fever and C-reactive protein weren't common marker of inflammatory response. In this study, having a normal renal ultrasound doesn't discard the possibility of having vesicoureteral reflux, and other criteria should be considered to select which patients need studies for vesicoureteral reflux.

How I do it open distal ureteroureterostomy for ectopic ureters in infants with duplex systems and no vesicoureteral reflux under 6 months of age

ABSTRACT We describe a step by step technique for open distal ureteroureterostomy (UU) in infants less than 6 months presenting with duplex collecting system and upper pole ectopic ureter in the absence of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR).

Estudio de cinco años del reflujo vesicoureteral / A five-year study of vesicoureteral reflux

RESUMEN El reflujo vesicoureteral es una causa frecuente de daño renal crónico y necesidad de tratamiento sustitutivo renal. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo longitudinal en pacientes con diagnóstico de reflujo vesicoureteral, que fueron atendidos en consulta de Nefrología pediátrica durante un período de cinco años, con el objetivo de identificar: las manifestaciones clínicas iniciales, los factores asociados y las alteraciones en estudios de imagen. El síntoma inicial fundamental fue la recurrencia de infecciones urinarias febriles (82,3 %). Se encontraron varios factores de riesgo asociados: el antecedente familiar de malformaciones renales (57,32 %), la diabetes materna (38,45 %), el hábito de fumar (24,67 %) y la anemia (18,20 %). Se observaron alteraciones sonográficas (60 %); predominaron el reflujo vesicoureteral grado 3 y la presencia de cicatrices renales. Las alteraciones sonográficas son frecuentes en estos pacientes, si bien su normalidad no lo descarta. La nefropatía cicatrizal se asocia al reflujo vesicoureteral, sobre todo asociado a infecciones urinarias febriles.

ABSTRACT Vesicoureteral reflux is a frequent cause of chronic kidney damage and the need for renal replacement therapy. A longitudinal descriptive study was carried out in patients who were diagnosed with vesicoureteral reflux and seen in the Pediatric Nephrology consultation for a period of five years, with the aim of identifying early clinical manifestations, associated factors and alterations in imaging studies. Recurrence of febrile urinary tract infections was the main initial symptom (82.3%). Several associated risk factors such as family history of kidney malformations (57.32%), maternal diabetes (38.45%), smoking habit (24.67%) and anemia (18.20%) were found. Sonographic alterations (60%) were observed; presence of grade III vesicoureteral reflux and renal scarring predominated. Sonographic alterations are frequent in these patients, although its normality does not rule it out. Scarring nephropathy is associated with vesicoureteral reflux, especially with febrile urinary tract infections.

Incidence of urinary tract infection after cystography / Incidência de infecção urinária após cistografia

ABSTRACT Objective: Cystography an invasive procedure with potential complications such as urinary infection (UI). There are few studies about the incidence of complications associated with this procedure. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the incidence of post-cystography urinary infection (UI.). Methods: Retrospective study with a review of clinical records of patients under 15 years of age, followed in this hospital, who underwent cystography (radiologic or indirect radionuclide) between 2009 and 2018. Post-cystography UI was defined when it occurred until seven days after the procedure. Descriptive and nonparametric statistics were applied to assess possible predictive factors related with post-cystography UI. Results: In the study period, 531 cystograms were undertaken (55% indirect radionuclide and 45% radiologic). The mean age at the procedure was 11.5 months; 62% were boys. Every patient had a previous negative urine culture; 50% were under antibiotic prophylaxis at the time of the procedure. The most common indication for the procedure was the post-natal study of congenital hydronephrosis/other nephrological malformation (53%), followed by the study of febrile UI (31%). Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) was diagnosed in 40% of procedures. Post-cystography UI occurred in 23 cases (incidence of 4.3%). The most frequent microorganism was E. coli (52%). The presence of VUR was significantly associated with the occurrence of post-cystography IU. Conclusions: The incidence of post-cystography UI was low in our sample. The presence of VUR was significantly associated with the occurrence of post-cystography UI. The authors highlight the importance of an adequate catheterization technique and the need for clinical surveillance after the procedure.

RESUMO Objetivo: A cistografia é um exame invasivo que apresenta potencial iatrogenia, nomeadamente infecção urinária (IU). Os estudos sobre a incidência de complicações associadas a esse exame são escassos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a incidência de IU após realização de cistografia. Métodos: Estudo retrospetivo por consulta dos prontuários clínicos dos doentes com idade inferior a 15 anos, seguidos em consulta nesse hospital, que realizaram cistografia (radiológica ou isotópica) entre 2009 e 2018. Admitiu-se relação de causalidade quando o diagnóstico de IU ocorreu até sete dias após a realização do exame. Foi realizada análise estatística descritiva e utilizados testes não paramétricos para avaliar possíveis fatores preditores da ocorrência de IU após cistografia. Resultados: Realizaram-se 531 cistografias (55% isotópicas e 45% radiológicas). A mediana de idade foi de 11,5 meses; 62% eram do sexo masculino. Todos os doentes efetuaram urocultura prévia (negativa); 50% recebiam profilaxia antibiótica (ATB) à data do exame. A indicação mais frequente foi o estudo pós-natal de hidronefrose (HN) congênita/outra malformação nefrourológica (53%), seguida do estudo da IU febril (31%). Documentou-se refluxo vesicoureteral (RVU) em 40% dos exames. Ocorreu IU após cistografia em 23 casos (incidência de 4,3%). O microrganismo mais frequente foi a E. coli (52%). Verificou-se associação entre a presença de RVU e a ocorrência de IU. Conclusões: A incidência de IU pós-cistografia foi relativamente baixa na amostra deste estudo. Observou-se associação entre a ocorrência de IU após cistografia e a presença de RVU. Sublinha-se a importância de uma técnica adequada de cateterização vesical e da vigilância clínica após o exame.

Pathogenic mechanisms of congenital abnormalities of kidney and urinary tract / 中华围产医学杂志

Congenital abnormalities of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) are common congenital malformations identified by prenatal ultrasound. This review summarizes the fetal renal development, the mechanism of CAKUT, and the influence of the fetal environment on CAKUT. CAKUT can manifest as different degrees of renal disease, from transient hydronephrosis to severe bilateral renal dysplasia, a major risk factor for chronic and end-stage renal disease in childhood. Genetic factors and abnormal fetal environment can both contribute to CAKUT. Ultrasound screening is conducive to detect CAKUT but may miss some defects. Monogenic mutations identified in CAKUT can help us gain more insight into the molecular mechanisms of renal development.

Leucocituria significativa como indicador de probable infección del tracto urinario sin cultivo positivo

Introducción: La presencia de leucocituria nos orienta hacia la probabilidad de infección del tracto urinario en niños. Objetivo: Determinar si la leucocituria significativa es un marcador de infección urinaria aun sin cultivo de orina positivo. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo en pacientes egresados de los Servicios de Neonatología y Nefrología del Hospital Pediátrico Universitario "Juan Manuel Márquez", entre enero 2018-diciembre 2019, que incluyó 124 niños de 2 años de edad; un grupo con infección del tracto urinario confirmada (clínica, leucocituria mayor 10 000 leucocitos/ml y con urocultivos positivos) y otro sospechada (clínica, con leucocituria significativa de más 100 000 leucocitos/ml, pero sin cultivo de orina positivo). Se compararon variables clínicas, de laboratorio y de radioimagen. Resultados: En 78,6 % de los niños se aisló Escherichia coli. La fiebre fue un hallazgo clínico frecuente. El reactante de fase aguda con mayor variación fue la velocidad de sedimentación globular (71,0 %), presentaron alteraciones del ultrasonido (79,8 %) y uretrocistografía miccional (50,0 %). No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas al comparar las variables clínicas, de laboratorio y de radioimagen entre el grupo de pacientes con infección del tracto urinario confirmada por urocultivo positivo y el grupo sospechado por la clínica, con leucocituria significativa de más 100 000 leucocitos/ml, pero sin urocultivo positivo. Conclusiones: En los niños con manifestaciones clínicas de infección, con presencia de una leucocituria significativa (más 100 000 leucocitos/ml), aunque no cuenten con un resultado positivo del urocultivo, se les debe proporcionar la atención médica establecida para un paciente con infección del tracto urinario.

Introduction: The presence of leukocyturia guides towards the probability of urinary tract infection in children. Objective: Determine whether significant leukocyturia is a marker of urinary tract infection even without positive urine culture. Methods: Descriptive and retrospective study in patients discharged from the Neonatology and Nephrology Services of "Juan Manuel Márquez" University Pediatric Hospital, from January 2018 to December 2019, which included 124 children of 2 years of age; one group with confirmed urinary tract infection (clinical, leukocyturia of more than 10 000 leukocytes/ml and with positive urine cultures) and another group of suspected ones (clinical, with significant leukocyturia of more than 100 000 leukocytes/ml, but without positive urine culture). Clinical, laboratory and radioimaging variables were compared. Results: Escherichia coli was isolated in 78.6% of the children. Fever was a common clinical finding. The reactant acute phase with the greatest variation was the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (71.0 %), there were ultrasound alterations (79.8 %) and voiding urethrocystography (50.0 %). There were no statistically significant differences when comparing clinical, laboratory and radioimaging variables between the group of patients with urine tract infection confirmed by positive urine culture and the group suspected by the clinic findings, with significant leukocyturia of more than 100 000 leukocytes/ml, but without positive urine culture. Conclusions: In children with clinical manifestations of infection, with the presence of significant leukocyturia (more than 100 000 leukocytes/ml), even if they do not have a positive urine culture result, they should be provided with the medical care established for a patient with urinary tract infection.

Evolving surgical management of pediatric vesicoureteral reflux: is open ureteral reimplantation still the 'Gold Standard'?

ABSTRACT Vesicoureteral reflux, the retrograde flow of urine from the bladder into the upper urinary tract, is one of the most common urologic diagnoses in the pediatric population. Once detected, therapeutic options for urinary reflux are diverse, ranging from observation with or without continuous low-dose prophylactic antibiotics to a variety of operative interventions. While a standardized algorithm is lacking, it is generally accepted that management be tailored to individual patients based on various factors including age, likelihood of spontaneous resolution, risk of subsequent urinary tract infections with renal parenchymal injury, and parental preference. Anti-reflux surgery may be necessary in children with persistent reflux, renal scarring or recurrent pyelonephritis after optimization of bladder and bowel habits. Open, laparoscopic/robot-assisted and endoscopic approaches are all successful in correcting reflux and have been shown to reduce the incidence of febrile urinary tract infections.

Características clínicas y evolución del reflujo vesicoureteral en la infancia / Clinical characteristics and outcome of childhood vesicoureteral reflux

Introducción. El objetivo fue evaluar las características clínicas y la evolución del reflujo vesicoureteral (RVU) según el sexo y grado de RVU.Población y métodos. Se incluyeron pacientes con RVU vistos durante el seguimiento de rutina entre enero de 2014 y enero de 2015. Se registraron las características demográficas, la evolución, los laboratorios y las imágenes.Resultados. Se seleccionó a 220 pacientes, cuya media de edad del diagnóstico era 3,17 ± 3,08 años; en ese momento, los varones eran menores que las niñas (2,00 ± 2,59 vs. 3,81 ± 3,15, p < 0,001). La infección urinaria fue la presentación más frecuente, seguida de hidronefrosis prenatal (HNP). El 22 % de los pacientes tuvo reflujo de grado 1-2; el 51 %, de grado 3; y el 27 %, de grado 4-5. En el reflujo de grado 4-5, las ecografías y gammagrafías con ácido dimercaptosuccínico (DMSA) marcado con 99mTc presentaron más anomalías, y se realizaron más cirugías (p < 0,001). En los varones, fueron más comunes el reflujo de grado 4-5 (43,6 % vs. 18,3 %) y las anomalías ecográficas (77 % vs. 54 %) y en la DMSA (77 % vs. 59 %) (p < 0,05). En las niñas, hubo mayores tasas de infección urinaria, disfunción de las vías urinarias inferiores y resolución espontánea (p < 0,05).Conclusiones. A pesar de la menor edad al momento del diagnóstico, la resolución espontánea fue menor en los varones, y estos presentaron HNP, reflujo grave y anomalías radiológicas más frecuentemente.

Introduction. The aim of the study was to assess the clinical features and outcome parameters of children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) based on gender and VUR grade.Population and methods. Patients with VUR who were seen during routine follow-up visits at Ankara University Children's Hospital between January 2014-January 2015 were included in this retrospective study. Patient demographics, clinical course, laboratory investigations, imaging were noted.Results. Two hundred and twenty patients were recruited. Mean age at the time of diagnosis was 3,17 ± 3,08 years. Boys were diagnosed at younger ages as compared to girls (2.00 ± 2,59 vs. 3,81 ± 3.15, p < 0.001). Urinary tract infection (UTI) was the most common presentation. The second presentation form was antenatal hydronephrosis (AHN) which was more common in males (25.6 %, p < 0.001). Twenty-two percent of the patients had grade 1-2, 51 % grade 3 and 27 % grade 4-5 reflux. Patients with grade 4-5 reflux had more abnormal ultrasound (US) and Tech 99m dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy (DMSA) findings and surgery was performed more frequently in this group (p < 0.001). In males, grade 4-5 reflux (43.6 % vs. 18.3 %), abnormal US (77 % vs. 54 %) and DMSA (77 % vs. 59 %) findings were more frequent (p < 0.05). In girls higher rates of UTIs, lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) and spontaneous reflux resolution were seen (p < 0.05).Conclusions: Despite younger age at diagnosis, spontaneous resolution was found lower in boys and they had more frequent AHN, more severe reflux, and radiological abnormalities.

Brazilian consensus on vesicoureteral reflux-recommendations for clinical practice

ABSTRACT Introduction Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR) is characterized by a retrograde flow of urine from the bladder into the ureters and kidneys. It is one of the most common urinary tract anomalies and the major cause of urinary tract infection (UTI) in the first years of life. If not properly diagnosed and treated can lead to recurrent UTI, renal scar and, in severe cases, to end stage renal disease. Despite recent advances in scientific and technological knowledge, evaluation and treatment of VUR is still controversial and there is still considerable heterogeneity in evaluation methods and therapeutic approaches. The aim of the present consensus is to give a practical orientation on how to evaluate and treat VUR. Methods The board of Pediatric Urology of the Brazilian Society of Urology joined a group of experts and reviewed all important issues on Vesicoureteral Reflux evaluation and treatment and elaborated a draft of the document. On November 2017 the panel met to review, discuss and write a consensus document. Results and Discussion Vesicoureteral Reflux is a common and challenging problem in children. Children presenting with Vesicoureteral Reflux require careful evaluation and treatment to avoid future urinary tract infections and kidney scars. The panel addressed recommendations on up to date choice of diagnosis evaluation and therapies.

Profile and pattern of primary vesicoureteral reflux in children seeking care at a tertiary care teaching centre of Southern India

Background: Previous studies have suggested that the clinical features of vesicoureteral reflux in infants differ from those of older children with regard to the male-to-female ratio and severity of renal parenchymal damage. Aim of the study is to know the profile and pattern of primary vesicoureteral reflux in subjects seeking care at a tertiary care teaching centre of southern India.Methods: This was a hospital based study, conducted at the Department of Paediatrics, Kasturba Medical College located at Manipal during August 2004 - August 2012 over a period of 8 years. All the children in the age group of 1 month to 18 years with Vesicoureteral Reflux, who presented to the study centre during study period, were included in the study.Results: Majority (78.5%) presented before 5 years, youngest age at presentation was 1 month and oldest at 14 year 8 months. Among 93 children studied, 65 were males and 28 were females with male to female ratio of 2.3. The commonest presenting complaint was fever (58%), followed by recurrent Urinary tract infection (UTI) (40.8%), dysuria 32 (34.4%) and reports of documented UTI was available in 23 (24.7%) cases. Four children had hypertension at presentation. Thirteen of them had associated posterior urethral valve. Neurogenic bladder was present in 3 children, 2 had associated Anorectal malformation and one had meningomyelocele.Conclusions: Majority of vesicoureteral reflux cases presented before 5 years of age. There was a preponderance of males. Majority had grade IV and V reflux. The mean age at presentation of vesicoureteral reflux was 3.6 years. The commonest presenting complaint was fever, followed by recurrent UTI.

The fate of antenatal renal pelvis dilatation: a prospective postnatal cohort study

Background: To assess the outcome of fetal hydronephrosis, based on antenatal sonography and to find the best cutoff APD of renal pelvis which lead to surgical outcome.Methods: All patients diagnosed with isolated fetal renal pelvic dilatation (RPD) were prospectively followed between January 2016 and December 2018. RPD was classified according to SFU grading into four grades and by APD classification to 3 groups. Group I (5-9.9 mm), group II (10-14.9 mm) and group III (?15 mm).Results: Among a total of 57 patients, group I had 32 renal units, none required surgery; group II had 19 renal units, 5 (7.04%) required surgery; group III had 20 units, 11 (15.49%) required surgery. The difference in outcome between the groups was statistically significant (p=0.001). The causes of fetal hydronephrosis was transitional in 33.33%, pelvi ureteric junction obstruction in 33.33%, vesico ureteral reflux in 29.82%, and 3.5 % had posterior urethral valves. Of the 38 infants with RPD, urinary tract infection was seen in 36.84%. Thirty-four patients had MCUG of whom 29.82% had VUR. In 38 patients DTPA was performed with following results: 10.53% had partial obstruction and 14.04% showed complete obstruction.Conclusions: Fetal hydronephrosis less than 5mm runs a benign course. In APD greater than 15 mm and bilateral disease thorough postnatal evaluation and regular follow-up is necessitated for timely intervention. The best cutoff point of anteroposterior renal pelvis diameter that led to surgery was 15 mm, with sensitivity 91% and specificity 73.5%.

Flexible Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy Directed Interventions in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Objective: To describe the utility of flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy for the diagnosis andmanagement in the neonatal ICU. Methods: A retrospective, medical chart review wasconducted in neonates who underwent flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy over a period of 7years. Besides demographic data and diagnostic findings, the results of medical and/orsurgical interventions done by treating neonatologist were recorded. Results: 88bronchoscopies were performed in 83 neonates, of which 37 were done throughendotracheal tube. Indications included persistent need for mechanical ventilation (32),persistent atelectasis (21), and stridor (27). Most common airway anomalies diagnosedincluded tracheobronchomalacia (20), laryngomalacia (18), subglottic stenosis (7), choanalatresia (4), laryngeal cleft (4), and tracheoesophageal fistula (4). Surgical interventions wereundertaken in 17 cases (9 tracheostomies and 2 cases of slide tracheoplasty). Conclusion:Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy can be beneficial for the diagnosis and management ofneonates with persistent or undiagnosed respiratory problems.

Transient Pseudohypoaldosteronism in a 5-Month-old Infant Manifested as a Failure to Thrive / 이화의대지

Pseudohypoaldosteronism (PHA) in infants is manifested by presence of hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, and metabolic acidosis. At initial stages, PAH is generally suspected as congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Transient PHA has been reported in infants with urinary tract infection and urinary tract malformation. We report a case of 5-month-old infant with failure to thrive and finally diagnosed with transient PHA due to urinary tract infection with vesicoureteral reflux.

A Case of Infantile Fungal Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infection is common in the pediatric population. The most common causative agents are bacteria, among which Escherichia coli is the most frequent uropathogen. Although fungal urinary tract infection is rare in the healthy pediatric population, it is relatively common among hospitalized patients. Fungus may be isolated from the urine of immunocompromised patients or that of patients with indwelling catheters. The most common cause of funguria is Candida albicans. Although more than 50% of Candida isolates belong to non-albicans Candida , the prevalence of non-albicans candiduria is increasing. Herein, we report a case of community-acquired candiduria in a 4-month-old immunocompetent male infant who had bilateral vesicoureteral reflux and was administered antibiotic prophylaxis. He was diagnosed with urinary tract infection caused by Candida lusitaniae and was managed with fluconazole.

The learning curve of sting method for endoscopic injection treatment of vesicoureteral reflux

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify how many endoscopic injection (EI) procedures, STING method, must be performed before reaching an ideal success rate when simulation training has not been received. Materials and Methods: The EI procedures performed by two pediatric urology fellows were investigated. The study excluded patients without primary VUR and those with previous EI or ureteroneocystostomy, lower urinary tract dysfunction, and/or duplicate ureters. The EIs used dextranomer hyaluronate and the STING method, as described by O'Donnell and Puri. Groups number was determined by multiple statistical trials. Statistically significance differences were achieved with one combination that had 35 EI procedures each and with 3 different combination of patients, having 12, 24, and 36 patients, respectively. Therefore, groups were established 12 patients. The first fellow performed 54 EIs, and the second performed 51. Therefore, each of the first fellow's three groups contained 18 EI procedures, and each of the second fellow's 17. Results: The study included 72 patients and 105 ureter units. When the data from both fellows were combined, each of the three groups contained 35 procedures. For the first fellow, the success rates in the first, second, and third groups were 38.3%, 66.6%, and 83.3% (p = 0.02), respectively, and for the second fellow, the success rates were 41.2%, 64.7%, and 82.3% (p = 0.045), respectively. The increased success rates for both fellows were very similar. Conclusions: An acceptable rate of success for EI may be reached after about 20 procedures and a high success rate after about 35-40 procedures.

Pelvic floor electromyography and urine flow patterns in children with vesicoureteral reflux and lower urinary tract symptoms

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the different urine flow patterns and active pelvic floor electromyography (EMG) during voiding in children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) as well as presenting the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms in these patients. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of children diagnosed with VUR after toilet training from Sep 2013 to Jan 2016. 225 anatomically and neurologically normal children were included. The reflux was diagnosed with voiding cystourethrography. The study was comprised an interview by means of a symptom questionnaire, a voiding diary, uroflowmetry with EMG and kidney and bladder ultrasounds. Urine flow patterns were classified as bell shape, staccato, interrupted, tower and plateau based on the current International Children's Continence Society guidelines. Results: Of 225 children with VUR (175 girls, 50 boys), underwent uroflowmetry + EMG, 151 (67.1%) had an abnormal urine flow pattern. An active pelvic floor EMG during voiding was confirmed in 113 (50.2%) children. The flow patterns were staccato in 76 (33.7 %), interrupted in 41 (18.2%), Plateau in 26 (11.5%), tower in 12 (5.3%) and a bell shape or normal pattern in 70 (31.5%). Urinary tract infection, enuresis and constipation respectively, were more frequent symptoms in these patients. Conclusions: Bladder/bowel dysfunction is common in patients with VUR that increases the risk of breakthrough urinary tract infections in children receiving antibiotic prophylaxis and reduces the success rate for endoscopic injection therapy. Therefore investigation of voiding dysfunction with primary assessment tools can be used prior to treating VUR.

Changing bulking agent may require change in injection volume for endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux

ABSTRACT Introduction: Various bulking agents were utilized for endoscopic correction of VUR. A study reviewing multi-institutional data showed that the amount of injection material has increased over time with the purpose of improving success rates, which also resulted in costs. We noticed an opposite trend in our center since we started using a new bulking agent. The aim of this study was to evaluate evolution of our practice with different bulking agents. Patients and Methods: Records of VUR patients who underwent subureteric injection with polyacrylate polyalcohol copolymer (PPC) and dextronomere hyaluronic acide (DxHA) between 2005 and 2014 were reviewed. Variation of different parameters throughout the study period was evaluated along with the success rate. Success was defined as complete resolution of reflux. Results: A total of 260 patients with 384 refluxing units were included. The success rate was higher in PPC group compared to DxHA group. There was no statistically significant difference between years regarding distribution of VUR grade, body weight, patient height, and age in PPC group. Despite significant reduction in injection volume, success rate did not decrease through the years with PPC. Conclusion: Different bulking agents may require different injection volumes to achieve the same success rate in endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux. Habits gained with previous experience using other materials should be revised while using a new agent.