Development of pediatric hydronephrosis patients visiting the San Vicente Foundation University Hospital, Medellín, Colombia

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Hydronephrosis is one of the most common congenital malformations detected on prenatal ultrasounds. Moderate and severe cases are often associated with ureteropelvic junction obstruction, posterior urethral valves and vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). 

OBJECTIVE

To describe a series of pediatric patients diagnosed with hydronephrosis determining their etiology, prenatal diagnosis and frequency of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A descriptive, retrospective study, through the reviewing of  records of patients attending the outpatient department of pediatric nephrology at St. Vincent Hospital Foundation of Medellin, Colombia, for diagnosis of hydronephrosis during the years 1960-2010.

RESULTS

The records of 924 patients between the ages of 0 and 18 years were evaluated, 35.7% female and 64.3% male. In 14.4% (133) the diagnosis was prenatal. Hydronephrosis was bilateral in 198 patients (28.5%). In 18.3% (169) no associated urological abnormality was found, reaching 4.2% in CKD (7). Ureteropelvic stenosis was diagnosed in 23.3% (216) followed with 21.5% VUR (199) and posterior urethral valves in 9.4% (87), reaching 10.2% ERC (93)

CONCLUSION

Hydronephrosis allows the detection of underlying urologic abnormalities susceptible of trace or surgical correction. Prenatal diagnosis has allowed finding severe cases avoiding future complications such as urinary tract infection, presence of renal scarring and even chronic renal disease.