Does diagnostic delay lead invariably to damage in episodic pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between the length of history and renal function in patients with symptomatic pelvi-ureteric junction (PUJ) obstruction in childhood. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 41 children with symptomatic PUJ obstruction. The duration and details of their symptoms were recorded and the differential renal function estimated by isotopic renography. RESULTS: The median (range) duration of symptoms was 24 (0.25-84) months; there was no statistically significant relationship between the duration of symptoms and differential function at presentation (P=0.148). CONCLUSION: There is no correlation between the duration of symptoms and renal function in children with PUJ obstruction. A delay in diagnosis cannot be directly linked to permanent renal compromise.