Vesicoureteral Reflux Causes, Symptoms And Treatments

This condition should not be ignored as it damages the function of kidneys and can lead to high blood pressure later in life. The risk of kidney damage is greatest during the first 6 years of life.

Causes of VUR:

A flap valve is located where the ureter joins with the bladder. Usually, the valve allows only a one-way flow of urine from the ureters to the bladder. Sometımes, a defective flap valve allows urine to flow backward. This can affect one or both ureters. This is called “primary vesicoureteral reflux.”

Sometimes VUR can be because of  blockage at the bladder outlet(Posterior urethral valve or abnormality of the bladder functions (Neurogenic bladder) that can causes urine to push back into the ureters.

This back flow of urine is responsible for recurrent urinary tract infections and damage of kidney (Renal scarring).

Symptoms:

Urinary tract infection is one of the commonest presentation seen in  children younger than the age of 5.

Common symptoms are:

1. Foul smelling or cloudy urine
2. Fever
3. Burning or pain while urinating
4. Frequency and urgency of urine
5. Vomiting

Infants may have following symptoms.

1. Diarrhoea.
2. Poor feeding.
3. Fever
4. Increased irritability

Also ultrasound scan done during pregnancy showing swelling in kidneys can be because of VUR.

Diagnosis Of VUR:

VUR can often be suspected by ultrasound before a child is born or if child has urinary tract infection. Ultrasound may show dilatation of drainage system of kidney (Pelvi-calyceal system and ureter) called as hydronephrosis, but this does not prove that reflux is present.

VUR is diagnosed using an X-ray of the bladder known as voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG). In this procedure, a thin, soft tube (catheter) is placed in the bladder through the urethra. Dye is then introduced into the bladder through the tube. X-ray pictures are taken to see if the dye flows back into the ureters. Based upon the severity, VUR is categorized into five grades. Milder grade of VUR does not require any treatment. All infants with urinary tract infection and other older children with frequent urinary tract infections with or without hydronephrosis should a be considered for VCUG test.

Treatment Options For Management Of VUR:

There are 3 main options for managing or treating VUR. One should understand the risks, benefits, and follow-up of each treatment.

Antibiotic :It is used to prevent infections until VUR goes away by itself. This treatment may take several years, and children must take medication every day. These children need to be reassessed for VUR and  renal damage on regular basis. However, long term treatment with antibiotics may cause the bacteria to become resistant, increasing the risks of recurrent infections.

Surgery : This type of treatment cures most children. Surgery is good option for high grade reflux. This can be performed by open or laparoscopic technique.

Endoscopic treatment (Deflux Injection): In this day care procedure, the medication is injected where the ureter joins the bladder. Deflux is a safe and effective treatment for VUR. A gel is introduced into the body where the ureters meet the bladder. This procedure is performed as a day care procedure. Deflux gel is placed at the spot where the ureters connect to the bladder with the help of a small camera called a cystoscope (a type of endoscope used to view the bladder). Eventually, new tissue grows around the gel, preventing the reflux of urine. Usually, there will be no pain after the procedure. Deflux is used for the treatment of all grades of VUR in children. Many children have success after one injection; while some may need more injection procedures. However lower the grade of VUR, the better it works. Also, the procedure works better for children who have reflux in only one ureter.