Does the severity of presentation in children with vesicoureteric reflux relate to the severity of the disease or the need for operation?
The presenting symptoms, number of previous urinary tract infections, grade of reflux and incidence of renal scarring, together with an analysis of the need for reimplantation of the ureters, were assessed retrospectively in 222 patients with vesicoureteric reflux. The grade of reflux was found to be as severe in patients presenting after a single urinary tract infection as in those presenting after more than one infection. Regardless of whether patients presented with mild, moderate or severe symptoms, the degrees of reflux and renal scarring remained similar. There was no relationship between the severity of presenting symptoms and the eventual need for ureteric reimplantation. All children should be investigated when they present for the first time with a urinary tract infection, irrespective of age, sex or severity of symptoms.
Ozen
H A
HA
Department of Urology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge.
Whitaker
R H
RH
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007668:Kidney / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology*; D014718:Vesico-Ureteral Reflux / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery