| Theme |
Congenital Kidney Disease and Renal Failure |
| Title |
Reflux nephropathy |
| Author |
Hideo Nakai |
Department of Pediatric Urology, Institution Jichi Medical University, Children's Medical Center Tochigi |
| Author |
Shina Kawai |
Department of Pediatric Urology, Institution Jichi Medical University, Children's Medical Center Tochigi |
| Author |
Shigeru Nakamura |
Department of Pediatric Urology, Institution Jichi Medical University, Children's Medical Center Tochigi |
| [ Summary ] |
The combination of renal parenchymal lesions, associated with primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), is termed as reflux nephropathy (RN). This condition is known to be a cause of chronic renal failure and/or renal hypertension observed in adolescents and adults. Recent research has shown that most of these type of parenchymal lesions seen in infants are congenital. Although differential diagnosis between congenital RN and acquired RN (due to renal scarring) is often difficult, both contribute to the progression of renal failure by gradual decrement of functioning renal mass. In situations where we are diagnosing RN, the evaluation of renal parenchymal lesions, as well as urinary tract infection (UTI) risk factors other than reflux itself, has priority over reflux grading. Anti-reflux surgery is often a minor factor in controlling UTI, since there is no evidence indicating obviation of the progression of RN. |