Renal scaring and vesicoureteral reflux in children with urinary tract infection [UTI]

ABSTRACT

To determine the extent of renal scarring in children with vesico-ureteral reflux [VUR] and upper urinary tract infection and to evaluate the relationship between different degrees of VUR and the renal scar. Forty two patients [age ranging from one month to 14 years] with VUR were studied consecutively. VUR was diagnosed by voiding cystourethrography [VCUG] and dimercaptosuccinic acid [DMSA] scan was done at least 4-6 months after the last episode of pyelonephritis. Eighty-four kidney units were examined. VUR was positive in 64 units. Twenty two subjects had bilateral VUR and 20 patients had unilateral VUR. Forty units [62.5%] had scarring. Kidney units with VUR in boys had more scarring than girls [90% Vs 62.5%] 64% kidney units with children less than five years of age had renal scarring. High grade reflux was associated with more severe reflux. Renal scarring is more common in younger children, boys and those with high grade reflux