title: Fetal urine analysis for the assessment of renal function in obstructive uropathy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The assessment of fetal renal function plays a key role in the evaluation of posterior urethral valve obstruction cases. The aim of our study was to determine the value of several urinary compounds, including beta 2-microglobulin, N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase, and microalbumin in the assessment of prenatal renal function in cases of posterior urethral valve and their potential role in the selection of such cases for in utero shunting.
  
  
  METHODS
  A range of urinary compounds was measured, including beta 2-microglobulin, N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase, and microalbumin in 25 cases of posterior urethral valve obstruction. These cases were divided into four groups based on outcome. The Mann-Whitney test and analysis of covariance were used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sodium, calcium, and beta 2-microglobulin were the best predictors for fetal survival. beta 2-Microglobulin values > 13 mg/L were almost invariably associated with fatal outcome.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The estimation of beta 2-microglobulin may help in counseling parents and in selecting cases for in utero shunting.
authors.affiliation: Fetal Medicine Unit, University College Hospital, London, England.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lipitz
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ryan
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Samuell
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Haeusler
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Robson
authors.forename: H K
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Dhillon
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Nicolini
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Rodeck
mesh_terms: D000118:Acetylglucosaminidase / Q000652:urine*; D000419:Albuminuria / Q000652:urine; D002118:Calcium / Q000652:urine*; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000652:urine*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012964:Sodium / Q000652:urine*; D014524:Urethral Obstruction / Q000652:urine*; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000652:urine*
chemical_list: D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin; D012964:Sodium; D000118:Acetylglucosaminidase; D002118:Calcium