Management of Primary Vesicoureteral Reflux in Children

Publication Date: September 1, 2010
Last Updated: March 14, 2022

Recommendations

Initial Evaluation of the Child with VUR

General Evaluation

VUR and UTI may detrimentally affect the overall health and renal function in affected children. Therefore, on initial presentation the child with VUR should undergo a careful general medical evaluation including measurement of height, weight and blood pressure, as well as serum creatinine if bilateral renal cortical abnormalities are found. (Standard, )
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Urinalysis for proteinuria and bacteriuria is recommended. If the urinalysis indicates infection, urine culture and sensitivity are recommended. (Recommendation, )
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A baseline serum creatinine may be obtained to establish an estimate of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) for future reference. (, )
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Imaging Procedures

Because VUR and UTI may affect renal structure and function, performing renal ultrasound to assess the upper urinary tract is recommended. (Recommendation, )
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DMSA renal imaging can be obtained to assess the status of the kidneys for scarring and function. (Option, )
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Assessment of Voiding Patterns

Symptoms indicative of BBD should be sought in the initial evaluation (including urinary frequency and urgency, prolonged voiding intervals, daytime wetting, perineal/penile pain, holding maneuvers [posturing to prevent wetting] and constipation/encopresis). (Standard, )
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APN, acute pyelonephritis; BBD, bladder and bowel dysfunction; BT-UTI, breakthrough UTI; CAP, continuous antibiotic prophylaxis; DMSA, dimercaptosuccinic acid; UTI, urinary tract infection; VCUG, voiding cystourethrogram; VUR, vesicoureteral reflux

Overview

Title

Management of Primary Vesicoureteral Reflux in Children

Authoring Organization

American Urological Association