"Urinary tract dilatation and vesicoureteral reflux - Adult outcomes, who should be followed, and how to follow them".

Long-term adult outcomes of children diagnosed with urinary tract dilatation (UTD) and vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) are not clearly documented in the literature. Likewise, follow-up protocols for these patients as they transition through adolescence and into adulthood vary with institution and cultures. Several studies have shown that individuals diagnosed with VUR in childhood are at higher risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) throughout their lives, even in the setting of prior VUR resolution or surgical correction. This is particularly relevant in patients with renal scarring, who are at higher risk of UTIs, hypertension and renal function deterioration in pregnancy. The risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnancy are higher for women with significant chronic kidney disease (CKD). Patients who underwent endoscopic injection or reimplantation should be counselled on the long-term particular risks associated with each intervention, including calcification of ureteric injection mounds, and the potential challenges of future endoscopic procedures following reimplantation. Although there is no evidence for the direct correlation between conservatively managed UTD in childhood, and symptomatic UTD diagnosed in adulthood, all patients should be aware of the long-term risks of persistent upper tract dilatation. Lastly, bladder-bowel dysfunction (BBD) management in adolescence can be more challenging and may contribute to symptomatic recurrence in this age group.

The concerns of mechanical upper urinary tract obstruction in neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction: Beyond augmentation cystoplasty.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of augmentation uretero-enterocystoplasty (AUEC), a modified surgical procedure that focuses the mobilization of the ureter and the necessity of ureteroplasty in a series of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) patients with mechanical upper urinary tract obstruction (mUUTO). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of NLUTD patients who underwent an AUEC from 2005 to 2022. mUUTO was diagnosed by preoperative bladder drainage, magnetic resonance urography (MRU), and isotope renography. Upper urinary tract dilatation (UUTD) was evaluated using MRU with the Liao MRU-UUTD system. Results: A total of 58 patients and 103 ureters were analyzed. Improvement in maximum bladder capacity (from 79.0 [41.3-163.8] to 500.0 [450.0-597.5] ml, P < 0.001), maximum detrusor pressure (from 32.0 [13.0-50.8] to 5.5 [4.0-10.0] cmH2O, P < 0.001) and bladder compliance (from 6.5 [3.0-11.9] to 50.1 [37.5-65.0] ml/cmH2O, P < 0.001), and stabilization of serum creatine (93.4 [73.0-142.7] to 94.9 [72.2-148.7] µmol/L, P = 0.886) were observed. The proportion of high-grade UUTD was significantly reduced after the surgery (92.3% vs. 13.5%, 92.1% to 9.8%, P < 0.001), and the typical imaging signs of preoperative obstruction disappeared. Conclusion: Beyond traditional augmentation cystoplasty, more attention should be paid to the relief of mUUTO and mobilization of the ureter in NLUTD patients.

Antenatally detected urinary tract dilatation: long-term outcome.

This review provides updated knowledge on the long-term outcomes among children with antenatally diagnosed urinary tract dilatation (UTD), previously often referred to as antenatal hydronephrosis. Different definitions of UTD exist, which makes comparison between studies and generalized conclusions difficult. Roughly, one-third of antenatally diagnosed UTD, defined as a renal pelvis anterior posterior diameter (APD) of ≥ 4 mm in the second trimester and/or ≥ 7 mm in the third trimester, will resolve before birth, another third will resolve within the first years of life, and in the remaining cases, UTD will persist or a congenital abnormality (CAKUT) will be diagnosed postnatally. The risk of a postnatal CAKUT diagnosis increases with the degree of prenatal and postnatal dilatation, except for vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), which cannot be predicted from the degree of UTD. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur in 7-14% of children with UTD during the first years of life. The risk of UTI is higher in children with traditional risk factors for UTI, such as dilated VUR, hydroureteronephrosis, female gender, and intact foreskin. Continuous antibiotic prophylaxis may be considered in selected patients during the first years of life. In long-term follow-ups, permanent kidney damage is diagnosed in approximately 40% of children with moderate or severe UTD, but hypertension, proteinuria, and/or reduced eGFR are uncommon (0-5%). In children with mild UTD, the long-term outcome is excellent, and these children should not be subjected to unnecessary examinations and/or follow-up.

Exstrophy-epispadias complex: are the kidneys and kidney function spared?

BACKGROUND: Exstrophy-epispadias complex (EEC) is a complex malformation of the lower abdominal wall, bladder, and pelvic floor, which necessitates multiple successive reconstruction procedures. Surgical and infectious complications are frequent. Our aim was to evaluate kidney function in these patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included patients with EEC, followed since birth in a pediatric urology clinic, who underwent nephrological evaluation (blood pressure (BP) measurement and blood and urine chemistries) and imaging studies (urinary tract ultrasound and DMSA kidney scan) during 2017-2020. RESULTS: Forty-three patients (29 males), median age 9 years (interquartile range 6-19), were included. Eleven (26%) used clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) for bladder drainage. At least one sign of kidney injury was identified in 32 (74%) patients; elevated BP, decreased kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 90 ml/min/1.73 m2), and proteinuria/albuminuria were detected in 29%, 12%, and 36% of patients, respectively. Urinary tract dilatation (UTD) was found in 13 (37%) ultrasound examinations. Parenchymal kidney defects were suspected in 46% and 61% of ultrasound and DMSA scintigraphy, respectively. UTD was significantly associated with DMSA-proven kidney defects (p = 0.043) and with elevated BP, 39% vs. 20% in those without UTD. Decreased eGFR and elevated BP were less frequent among patients on CIC than among patients who voided spontaneously: 10% vs. 14% and 18% vs. 36%, respectively. Recurrent UTIs/bacteriuria and nephro/cystolithiasis were reported by 44% and 29% patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: The high rate of signs of kidney injury in pediatric patients with EEC dictates early-onset long-term kidney function monitoring by joint pediatric urological and nephrological teams. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

Associations, follow up data, and postnatal outcome of antenatally diagnosed Urinary Tract Dilatation - Five-year single tertiary center experience from South India.

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract dilatations (UTD) are frequently diagnosed during Mid-Trimester Anomaly Scan (MTAS), at which time, given their variable progression and heterogeneous classification systems, offering suitable counsel to the couple is challenging. OBJECTIVE: Based on postnatal data, we aimed to guide parental counseling, and further evaluation of UTD diagnosed at MTAS. Specifically, the utility of multi-disciplinary UTD classification system was tested. METHODS: A retrospective observational study of all UTDs included from five years (2015-2020) MTAS register. The multi-disciplinary UTD classification system was used for antenatal/postnatal UTD categorization. Follow-up data were obtained from case records until the current age of children (2-6 years). RESULTS: Out of 527 fetal abnormalities, 103 had UTD at MTAS. Based on the third-trimester ultrasound, 49 were low-risk UTD A1, and 44 were increased-risk UTD A2-3 (including the nineteen UTD A1 at MTAS worsened to A2-3 by third-trimester). On postnatal follow-up of UTD A1 and A2-3, respectively, neonatal UTD P2/P3 was seen in 2% and 40.9%; complete spontaneous resolution was seen in 79.5% and 43.18%; none and 22.7% underwent surgical intervention; persistent P2/P3 UTD were seen on follow-up in 2% and 4.5% (excluding those who needed surgery); impaired renal function was seen in none and 36.3%, and recurrent UTI in 8.1% and 34.09%. The subgroup with progressive UTD (from A1 to A2-3 by third-trimester ultrasound) formed 43% of the final UTD A2-3 category. Among these 19 cases, surgical intervention was performed in eight (42%); impaired renal function was seen in 7 cases (36.8%), and recurrent UTI was seen in eight (42%). DISCUSSION: Given the diverse classification systems for UTD, ours is the second Indian data proving the prognostic utility of multi-disciplinary UTD classification system, specifically at third trimester scan, based on postnatal outcome. In contrast to published guidelines, our data suggests follow-up for renal pelvis anteroposterior diameter (APD) of 4-7 mm at MTAS, as some may worsen. Similar progression has been noted in other Indian studies, but the classification systems are different. Contrary to the published literature, we could not suggest a renal APD cut-off as a single criterion to predict surgical intervention. Significant limitations are retrospective observational design and multiple sonographers. CONCLUSION: Our data helps guide parental counseling and further evaluation for UTD diagnosed at MTAS. The multi-disciplinary Consensus UTD Classification system, was helpful in prognostication.

Seguimiento de dilatación del tracto urinario neonatal diagnosticada en la evaluación de infección del tracto urinario / Follow-up of Neonatal Urinary Tract Dilatation Diagnosed in the Evaluation of Urinary Tract Infection

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 por ciento). Predominaron los grados de dilatación ligera (5-10 mm.) sobre grados moderados y severos. En 38 casos (9,4 por ciento) 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(AU)

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 percent). Mild degrees of dilatation (5-10 mm) predominated over moderate and severe degrees. In 38 cases (9.4 percent) 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(AU)

Upper urinary dilatation and treatment of 26 patients with diabetes insipidus: A single-center retrospective study.

Objective: To describe the urinary tract characteristics of diabetes insipidus (DI) patients with upper urinary tract dilatation (UUTD) using the video-urodynamic recordings (VUDS), UUTD and all urinary tract dysfunction (AUTD) systems, and to summarize the experience in the treatment of DI with UUTD. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed clinical data from 26 patients with DI, including micturition diary, water deprivation tests, imaging data and management. The UUTD and AUTD systems were used to evaluate the urinary tract characteristics. All patients were required to undergo VUDS, neurophysiologic tests to confirm the presence of neurogenic bladder (NB). Results: VUDS showed that the mean values for bladder capacity and bladder compliance were 575.0 ± 135.1 ml and 51.5 ± 33.6 cmH2O in DI patients, and 42.3% (11/26) had a post-void residual >100 ml. NB was present in 6 (23.1%) of 26 DI patients with UUTD, and enterocystoplasty was recommended for two patients with poor bladder capacity, compliance and renal impairment. For the 24 remaining patients, medication combined with individualized and appropriate bladder management, including intermittent catheterization, indwelling catheter and regular voiding, achieved satisfactory results. High serum creatinine decreased from 248.0 ± 115.8 µmoI/L to 177.4 ± 92.8 µmoI/L in 12 patients from a population with a median of 108.1 µmoI/L (IQR: 79.9-206.5 µmoI/L). Forty-four dilated ureters showed significant improvement in the UUTD grade, and the median grade of 52 UUTD ureters decreased from 3 to 2. Conclusion: Bladder distension, trabeculation and decreased or absent sensations were common features for DI patients with UUTD. Individualized therapy by medication combined with appropriate bladder management can improve UUTD and renal function in DI patients.

A Study of Urodynamic Parameters at Different Bladder Filling Stages for Predicting Upper Urinary Tract Dilatation.

PURPOSE: To identify more accurate predictors of upper urinary tract dilatation (UUTD) in neurogenic bladder (NB) children, we studied the relationship among urodynamic parameters at different bladder filling stages, detrusor leak point pressure (DLPP) and UUTD. METHODS: A total of 158 children (3-16 years) with NB were included and then divided into 2 groups according to whether their NB diagnosis was complicated with UUTD: the UUTD group (39 patients) and those without UUTD group (control group, 119 patients). The bladder filling phase was divided into 3 equal parts: the early, middle, and end filling stages. The bladder compliance (BC) and detrusor pressure (△Pdet) at each phase and DLPP at the end filling stage were recorded. RESULTS: A BC<8 mL/cm H2O both in the middle and end stages is more specific than a BC<9 mL/cm H2O in the end stage (72%, 73%, vs. 66%), and △Pdet >8 cm H2O in the early stage, 20 cm H2O in the middle stage and 25 cm H2O in the end stage are more sensitive than △Pdet >40 cm H2O in the end stage (82%, 85%, 85%, vs. 49%). A DLPP cutoff value of 20 cm H2O showed higher sensitivity for predicting UUTD than 40 cm H2O. CONCLUSION: Low BC and a high △Pdet in the middle and end filling stages are more accurate factors than classic indicators for predicting UUTD. In addition, a DLPP value of >20 cm H2O in the end bladder filling stage shows high sensitivity.

Postnatal urinary tract dilatation classification: improvement of the accuracy in predicting kidney injury.

BACKGROUND: The grading of urinary tract dilatation (UTD) on postnatal sonography is a fundamental step to establish rational management for infants with antenatal hydronephrosis (ANH). The aim of this study was to compare the prediction accuracy of UTD grading systems for relevant clinical outcomes. In addition, we propose a refinement of the UTD classification by adding quantitative measurements and evaluate its impact on accuracy. METHODS: Between 1989 and 2019, 447 infants diagnosed with isolated AHN were prospectively followed. The events of interest were surgical interventions and kidney injury. Comparison of performance of the grading systems and the impact on the accuracy of a modified UTD classification (including the size of the kidney parenchyma) was assessed by the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC). RESULTS: Of 447 infants, 131 (29%) underwent surgical intervention and 26 (5.8%) had developed kidney injury. The median follow-up time was 9 years (IQ range, 7-12 years). The performance for detecting the need for surgical intervention was excellent for all grading systems (AUC > 0.90). However, for predicting kidney injury, the modified UTD classification exhibited significant improvement in accuracy (AUC = 0.913, 95%CI, 0.883-0.937) as compared with UTD classification (AUC = 0.887, 95%CI, 0.854-0.915) (P = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms that the hydronephrosis grading systems provide excellent accuracy in discriminating patients who need surgical intervention among infants with AHN. Our findings suggest that the inclusion of kidney parenchymal thickness to UTD classification might increase the accuracy for predicting infants who may develop kidney injury. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

Effect of Transurethral Resection of the Prostate on Urodynamic Parameters in Patients with Benign Prostatic Enlargement with Upper Urinary Tract Dilatation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the urodynamic outcomes of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in patients of benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) with upper urinary tract dilatation and correlate with International Prostate Symptoms Score (I-PSS). METHODS: In this prospective study, patients of BPE with upper urinary tract dilatation from July 2017 to June 2019 were enrolled. At presentation, detailed I-PSS, ultrasonography abdomen, serum creatinine, and serum PSA were recorded. All the patients were catheterized and observed for postobstructive diuresis. At 4 weeks, repeat ultrasound and serum creatinine were recorded. Urodynamic study (UDS) was performed after ensuring sterile urine culture. Patients underwent TURP as per the standard technique. A repeat UDS was performed after 3 months, and analysis was done. RESULTS: Forty-four patients were enrolled of which data of 37 patients were analyzed. In the filling phase of the UDS, there was a significant decrease in detrusor pressure at the end filling phase from 27 to 9.0 cm H2O after TURP. Maximum cystometric capacity and bladder compliance significantly improved at 3 months following surgery. In the voiding phase, peak flow rate showed a significant increase, postvoid residual urine volume significantly decreased, and peak detrusor pressure marginally decreased following TURP. The I-PSS decreased from 20 ± 8 to 5 ± 6 following TURP. CONCLUSION: High detrusor pressure and reduced compliance is a risk factor for upper urinary tract dilatation. Changes in the bladder dynamics and resolution of hydronephrosis following TURP reflected in the changes in urodynamic parameters and I-PSS.

Antenatally detected urinary tract dilatation: a 12-15-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Antenatally diagnosed urinary tract dilatation (UTD) still burdens healthcare providers and parents. This study was conducted to establish long-term outcome in an unselected group of children with antenatally detected UTD. METHODS: Seventy-one out of 103 children born in 2003-2005 and diagnosed with antenatal UTD agreed to participate in a 12-15-year follow-up including blood and urine samples, a kidney ultrasound exam, and kidney scintigraphy. The records were searched for previous urinary tract infections. RESULTS: Among children with an anteroposterior diameter (APD) ≤ 7 mm and no calyceal, kidney, ureteral, or bladder pathology in the early postnatal period, no one tested had reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), albuminuria, or UTD at the follow-up at a mean age of 13.6 years. One child had kidney damage not affecting kidney function. Among children with postnatal APD > 7 mm and/or kidney, calyceal, ureteral, or bladder pathology, 15% had persistent UTD and 32-39% (depending on the method used) had kidney damage. Major postnatal urinary tract ultrasound abnormalities and a congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) diagnosis were factors associated with an increased risk for permanent kidney damage (odds ratios 8.9, p = 0.016; and 14.0, p = 0.002, respectively). No one had reduced eGFR. One child (1/71, 1%) had a febrile urinary tract infection after the age of 2. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that in children with postnatal APD ≤ 7 mm, no calyceal dilatation, normal bladder, ureters, and kidney parenchyma, the outcome is excellent. There is no need for long-term follow-up in these patients.

Correlación entre el diagnóstico ecográfico prenatal y posnatal en casos de hidronefrosis fetal / Correlation between prenatal and postnatal ultrasound diagnosis of fetal hydronephrosis

Introduction: Prenatal ultrasound detects fetal anomalies in 1% of pregnancies, about 20-30% of them are urogenital and among them 50% are fetal urinary tract dilatations (UTD). Objective: To establish the correlation between prenatal and postnatal hydronephrosis diagnosis, as well as to analyze the prognosis. Design, patients, interventions and main outcome measure: Retrospective observational study performed by the Prenatal Diagnosis Unit of Parc Taulí Hospital (Sabadell), which included 177 pregnant women with ultrasound diagnosis of UTD between January 2011 and December 2016. We performed a descriptive analysis of the most important ultrasound and perinatal variables. The main outcome measure was the degree of dilatation of UTD. Results: The prevalence of HNF was 1.17%; 82.8% were diagnosed in the second trimester ultrasound; 42.9% of fetal hydronephrosis cases were bilateral and, in 95.6%, the urogenital pathology was not associated with other malformations. Congenital heart disease was the most frequently associated prenatal anomaly (3.3%). Among 93 low-risk hydronephrosis cases diagnosed in the second trimester, 53.8% resolved spontaneously in the third trimester, 30.1% remained stable and 16.1% worsened. Of the 32 cases of moderate-severe UTD diagnosed in the second trimester, only 9.4% improved in the third trimester. Complementary examination was required in 46.9% of the neonates and 14.1% required surgical intervention. Conclusions: Most cases of fetal hydronephrosis were diagnosed by second trimester ultrasound. Mild UTD presents good prognosis as opposed to moderate-severe cases, which usually persist after birth.

Introducción. La ecografía prenatal permite detectar una anomalía significativa en 1% de los embarazos; de ellos, 20 a 30% son genitourinarias y 50% de estas son hidronefrosis fetales (HNF). Objetivo. Establecer una correlación entre el grado de hidronefrosis prenatal y posnatal, así como analizar las implicaciones pronósticas. Diseño, pacientes, intervenciones y variables principales. Estudio observacional retrospectivo realizado por la Unidad de Diagnóstico Prenatal del hospital Parc Taulí de Sabadell, que incluyó un total de 177 gestantes con diagnóstico ecográfico de HNF entre enero de 2011 y diciembre de 2016. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de las variables ecográficas y perinatales más importantes. La principal variable de estudio fue el grado de dilatación de la HNF. Resultados. La prevalencia de HNF fue 1,17%. El 82,8% de los casos fue diagnosticado en la ecografía del 2º trimestre. En 42,9%, la afectación fue bilateral, y en 95,6% la malformación renal fue aislada. La cardiopatía fue la anomalía congénita asociada con más frecuencia (3,3%). De las 93 hidronefrosis de riesgo bajo diagnosticadas en el 2º trimestre, 53,8% se normalizaron en el 3er trimestre, 30,1% permanecieron estables y 16,1% progresaron. De los 32 casos de HNF moderadas-severas diagnosticadas en el 2º trimestre, solo 9,4% se normalizaron en el 3er trimestre. El 46,9% de los neonatos precisó exploraciones complementarias y 14,1% intervención quirúrgica. Conclusiones. Existe buena correlación de la HNF prenatal y posnatal. La HNF leve presenta buen pronóstico, mientras que la moderada-severa suele persistir posnatalmente.

The search for the definition, etiology, and effective diagnosis of upper urinary tract obstruction: the Whitaker test then and now.

INTRODUCTION: Robert Whitaker, inspired by Dr William W Scott at the Brady Institute at Johns Hopkins and by Sir David Innes Williams at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in the late 1960s, spent much of his career exploring the meaning of persistent dilatation of the upper urinary tract, in an attempt to define obstruction and to find a means of diagnosing it accurately. OBJECTIVE: This is a historical review of Bob Whitaker's journey from his definition of obstruction to the inception of his eponymous test. RESULTS: In 1975, he proposed a theory to explain the pathophysiology behind obstructive hydronephrosis and megaureter. He was among the first pediatric urologists to observe that 'it is wrong… to assume that dilatation necessarily indicates obstruction', a statement that was widely stated and even appeared in the textbooks at the time. He defined obstruction as 'an increased pressure in the pelvicalyceal system of the kidney at normal physiological flow rates such that the renal function is adversely affected'. This realization led to the development of a percutaneous pressure-measuring technique at controlled flows, later referred to as the Whitaker test. It predated and later assisted in the interpretation of diuretic renograms. DISCUSSION: Whitaker questioned the etiology of 'hydronephrosis' and challenged other hypotheses proposed at the time, which often included causes of mechanical occlusion at the ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) or ureterovesical junction (UVJ). Whitaker's hypothesis is that 'obstruction' at UPJ and UVJ levels is not mechanical but the result of a failure of normal peristalsis to form and propagate a bolus. This, in turn, depends on the potentially abnormal distensibility of the renal pelvic and ureteric wall whether it be congenital or acquired. The aim of this review is to recall the history of the development of a technique to evaluate dilated upper urinary tracts and to re-evaluate various theories that might explain the etiology of the dilatation in the light of more recent evidence. Robert (or Bob, to his colleagues) Whitaker was among the founder members of the British Association of Paediatric Urologists, which now has more than 50 members, in 1992. Together with his colleagues Philip Ransley and David Thomas, Whitaker established the annual pediatric urology course for pediatric surgery and urology trainees in Cambridge, U.K., which still runs to this day. He retired from his surgical practice in 1990 and up until the present time has taught clinical anatomy in the Cambridge University School of Medicine.

Prenatal and postnatal urinary tract dilation: advantages of a standardized ultrasound definition and classification.

Urinary tract dilatation is identified sonographically in 1-2% of fetuses and reflects a spectrum of possible nephro-uropathies. There is significant variability in the clinical management of individuals with prenatal urinary tract dilatation to postnatal urinary pathologies, because of a lack of consensus and uniformity in defining and classifying urinary tract dilation. Ultrasonography is the first step to screen and diagnose kidneys and the urinary tract diseases of the children. The need for a correct ultrasound approach led to the realization of algorithms aimed at standardizing the procedures, the parameters and the classifications. Our objective was to highlight the strengths of the Classification of Urinary Tract Dilation (UTD) suggested by the Consensus Conference which took place in 2014 with the participation of eight Scientific Societies and was subsequently published on the Journal of Pediatric Urology. Before its spread out, the definition of UTD was not uniform and the ultrasonographic measurements were not clearly defined, leading to misunderstandings between physicians. The Classification by the Consensus Conference of 2014 represents a revolutionary tool for the diagnosis and management of UTD. Furthermore, the parameters suggested by the classification proposed are applicable for both prenatal and postnatal classification, ensuring a correct follow-up in children with UTD whose diagnosis had been already made during pregnancy.

Prenatal Urinary Tract Dilatation.

Urinary tract dilatation (UTD) is the most common congenital anomaly detected on prenatal ultrasonography (US), affecting 1% to 3% of all pregnancies. This article focuses on the prenatal detection of UTD and the postnatal evaluation and management based on the UTD grading system risk assessment. Prophylactic antibiotics and postnatal imaging are discussed. The recent management trend is for a more conservative approach to minimize unnecessary testing and exposures to the fetus and neonate while detecting those who may have clinically significant disorder. The renal bladder US remains a critical part of the evaluation and helps guide further investigations.

Conversion and reliability of two urological grading systems in infants: the Society for Fetal Urology and the urinary tract dilatation classifications system.

BACKGROUND: The urinary tract dilation (UTD) classification system was proposed in 2014. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correspondence and reliability of two US grading systems for postnatal urinary tract dilatation in infants: the Society for Fetal Urology (SFU) and the UTD systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We assessed 180 kidneys in infants younger than 1 year. Four radiologists assessed the kidneys twice using both the SFU system (grades 0 to 4) and the UTD system (grades normal, P1, P2, P3). The SFU system was re-categorized into SFU-A (grades 0, 1-2, 3, 4) and into SFU-B (grades 0-1, 2, 3, 4). The Cohen kappa statistic was used for estimating agreement of both UTD-SFU-A and UTD-SFU-B. RESULTS: The Cohen kappa was significantly higher between UTD and SFU-B as compared to the UTD and SFU-A (0.75 vs. 0.50, P < 0.001). Intra-observer agreement was similar for the two grading systems (SFU 0.64-0.88 vs. UTD 0.48-0.92, P = 0.050-0.885). SFU grades 2 and 3 showed fair to moderate inter-observer agreement and corresponding UTD grades P1 and P2 showed moderate to substantial agreement. The overall inter-observer agreement was significantly higher for the UTD system than for the SFU system during the first assessment (95% confidence interval [CI]: right kidney, -0.069 to -0.062; left kidney, -0.048 to -0.043). CONCLUSION: Correspondence between the systems was poor using a recommended re-categorization (SFU-A). An alternative re-categorization (SFU-B) was found to be more appropriate for establishing correspondence between the systems. Both systems were reliable, with good intra- and inter-observer agreement for the assessment of infant kidneys, but the UTD system had better inter-observer agreement.

Clinical features of diabetes insipidus with urinary tract dilatation / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Diabetes insipidus ( DI) could lead to urinary tract dilatation, even renal dysfunction. This study compared clinical features of DI with or without urinary tract dilatation. The results showed that the former had earlier onset age, more male patients, longer duration, and higher serum creatinine, as well as lower urine osmotic pressure and urine specific gravity after injection of vasopressin. But only disease duration was the independent risk factor (OR=1. 248). More nephrogenic DI and more hereditary DI were with urinary tract dilatation compared with central DI or acquired DI.

Conducta médica posnatal ante la dilatación del tracto urinario superior fetal / Postnatal medical behavior in face a dilatation of fetal high urinary tract

El seguimiento sistemático del embarazo normal mediante el estudio ultrasonográfico materno-fetal ha demostrado que por cada 500 embarazos debemos esperar una anomalía importante del tracto urinario. La anomalía detectada con mayor frecuencia es la dilatación del tracto urinario superior, que si bien la mayoría de las veces no se traduce en una alteración importante, obliga a su estudio posnatal para poder valorar su significación. Una dilatación del tracto urinario superior puede ser la traducción de una hidronefrosis obstructiva por estenosis ureteropiélica, una hidronefrosis no obstructiva, un reflujo vesicoureteral o una pielectasia, y menos frecuentemente, puede ser la imagen de un doble sistema excretor con el superior obstruido, un megauréter obstructivo o no obstructivo, o una valva de uretra posterior en el sexo masculino. En esta revisión se presentan los criterios diagnósticos y el tratamiento clínico de las hidronefrosis y pielectasias, así como el estudio de los casos en que se sospecha reflujo vesicoureteral, y se relatan las anomalías encontradas en 318 niños en que el ultrasonido materno-fetal detectó alguna alteración del tracto urinario. Aunque no tan frecuente como las pielectasias y las hidronefrosis no obstructivas, las estenosis pieloureterales que producen obstrucción, pueden traer serias consecuencias sobre la función renal, que obligan a tomar decisiones médicas, y, en ocasiones, quirúrgicas, para mejorar la calidad de vida de estos niños.

The systematic follow-up of the normal pregnancy by means of a mother-fetus ultrasonography study has demonstrated that for each 500 pregnancies, we must to expect a significant anomaly of urinary tract. The more frequent anomaly detected is the high urinary tract dilatation, which if not always it is a significant alteration, leads to a postnatal study to assess its significance. A high urinary tract dilatation may to give rise to an obstructive hydronephrosis due to ureteropyelitis anastomosis; a non-obstructive hydronephrosis, a vesicoureteral reflux or a pyelectasia and less frequently may be an image of double excretory system with the superior one obstructed, an obstructive or not megaureter, or a valve or the posterior urethra in male sex. In present review are showed the diagnostic criteria and the clinical treatment of the hydronephrosis and the pyelectasia, as well as the study cases with suspicion of vesicoureteral reflux mentioning the anomalies founded in 318 children in whom the mother-fetus ultrasound detected some alteration of the urinary tract. Although not so frequent as the non-obstructive pyelectasia and the hydronephrosis, the pyeloureteral stenosis producing obstruction, may give rise to serious consequences on the renal function leading to make a medical decision, and occasionally, of surgical type to improve the quality of life of these children.

Conducta médica posnatal ante la dilatación del tracto urinario superior fetal / Postnatal medical behavior in face a dilatation of fetal high urinary trac

El seguimiento sistemático del embarazo normal mediante el estudio ultrasonográfico materno-fetal ha demostrado que por cada 500 embarazos debemos esperar una anomalía importante del tracto urinario. La anomalía detectada con mayor frecuencia es la dilatación del tracto urinario superior, que si bien la mayoría de las veces no se traduce en una alteración importante, obliga a su estudio posnatal para poder valorar su significación. Una dilatación del tracto urinario superior puede ser la traducción de una hidronefrosis obstructiva por estenosis ureteropiélica, una hidronefrosis no obstructiva, un reflujo vesicoureteral o una pielectasia, y menos frecuentemente, puede ser la imagen de un doble sistema excretor con el superior obstruido, un megauréter obstructivo o no obstructivo, o una valva de uretra posterior en el sexo masculino. En esta revisión se presentan los criterios diagnósticos y el tratamiento clínico de las hidronefrosis y pielectasias, así como el estudio de los casos en que se sospecha reflujo vesicoureteral, y se relatan las anomalías encontradas en 318 niños en que el ultrasonido materno-fetal detectó alguna alteración del tracto urinario. Aunque no tan frecuente como las pielectasias y las hidronefrosis no obstructivas, las estenosis pieloureterales que producen obstrucción, pueden traer serias consecuencias sobre la función renal, que obligan a tomar decisiones médicas, y, en ocasiones, quirúrgicas, para mejorar la calidad de vida de estos niños(AU)

The systematic follow-up of the normal pregnancy by means of a mother-fetus ultrasonography study has demonstrated that for each 500 pregnancies, we must to expect a significant anomaly of urinary tract. The more frequent anomaly detected is the high urinary tract dilatation, which if not always it is a significant alteration, leads to a postnatal study to assess its significance. A high urinary tract dilatation may to give rise to an obstructive hydronephrosis due to ureteropyelitis anastomosis; a non-obstructive hydronephrosis, a vesicoureteral reflux or a pyelectasia and less frequently may be an image of double excretory system with the superior one obstructed, an obstructive or not megaureter, or a valve or the posterior urethra in male sex. In present review are showed the diagnostic criteria and the clinical treatment of the hydronephrosis and the pyelectasia, as well as the study cases with suspicion of vesicoureteral reflux mentioning the anomalies founded in 318 children in whom the mother-fetus ultrasound detected some alteration of the urinary tract. Although not so frequent as the non-obstructive pyelectasia and the hydronephrosis, the pyeloureteral stenosis producing obstruction, may give rise to serious consequences on the renal function leading to make a medical decision, and occasionally, of surgical type to improve the quality of life of these children(AU)