Fetal hydronephrosis, a one year follow up.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the underlying urological anomalies and the outcome during the first year, in babies with antenatally diagnosed hydronephrosis.


METHODS
A prospective descriptive study.


METHODS
Southlands and Worthing Hospitals, Worthing, UK.


METHODS
From January 1991 to December 1992, in the Worthing District Health Region, UK all babies with hydronephrosis persisting postnatally (69) were prospectively assessed for renal growth and function, general well-being, and complications if any. The diagnoses, treatment and complications occurring during the first year were analysed.


RESULTS
Of the 69 babies 4 were lost to follow up. The 65 fetuses assessed had the following underlying causes: transient in utero hydronephrosis 34 (52.3%), idiopathic hydronephrosis 9 (13.8%), isolated vesico-ureteric reflux 5 (7.6%), vesico-ureteric reflux with other urological abnormalities 2 (3.1%), pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction 2 (3.1%), equivocal pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction/idiopathic hydronephrosis 4 (6.2%), multicystic dysplastic kidney 4 (6.2%), polycystic kidneys 1 (1.5%) and patulous extrarenal pelvis 4 (6.2%). During one year of follow up 4 (6%) of babies needed surgical intervention and further 6 (9%) needed antibiotic prophylaxis.


CONCLUSIONS
The majority of fetal hydronephroses is were self-limiting or benign. Vesico-ureteric reflux was the commonest urological abnormality. 23 (33%) apparently normal neonates detected on prenatal screening needed aggressive management or close monitoring.
Senanayake
M
M
Faculty of Medicine, Colombo.
Semmens
M
M
D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006869:Hydronephrosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal