title: Posterior urethral valves: pre- and postnatal management.
abstract: Posterior urethral valves are a common problem encountered by pediatric urologists. The diagnosis is most frequently suggested by antenatal screening ultrasound. A variety of pre- and postnatal parameters have been identified to aid in predicting ultimate renal outcome. These prognostic tools are invaluable to the clinician for counseling parents and for choosing appropriate management. Several approaches to the treatment of patients with posterior urethral valves exist, and the ideal strategy is debatable. As technology evolves, more options for early intervention become available. Whether early detection and antenatal intervention improve patient outcome remains to be proven.
authors.affiliation: Division of Urology, University of Kansas School of Medicine and Children's Mercy Hospital, 5520 College Boulevard, Suite 425, Overland Park, KS 66211, USA. jgatti@emory.edu
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Gatti
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Kirsch
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal; D014521:Urethra / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D014524:Urethral Obstruction / Q000151:congenital* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery