YOUR CHILD’S HEALTH CARE/ GENITAL, GROIN AND URINARY TRACT PROBLEMS: URINE, BACKFLOW OF (VESICO-URETERIC REFLUX)
Vesico-ureteric reflux is one of the commonest causes of urinary tract infections in children, and if not detected early can lead to scarring of the kidneys.
Cause
Vesico-ureteric reflux is due to a defect in the valve mechanism where the tube from the kidney (the ureter) joins the bladder. Normally urine flows in one direction away from the kidneys, down the ureters, into the bladder and then down the urethra to the outside. If your child suffers from reflux, whenever he passes urine, a small amount escapes backwards from the bladder and flows towards the kidneys. The stagnant urine can also lead to infection. The degree of reflux can vary from minor to severe.
Clinical features
There are no specific signs of vesico-ureteric reflux. It is usually discovered when a child is being investigated for urinary tract infections.
A micturating cystourethrogram and a renal ultrasound are usually performed to determine the degree of reflux, and whether there has been any kidney damage.
Treatment
In mild cases, any urinary tract infections resulting from the reflux are promptly treated, and your doctor may advise a long-term course of antibiotics in small doses to prevent recurrence of infections. The kidneys and urinary tract are monitored regularly via urine tests, follow-up X-rays and ultrasound, to make sure that the situation is not worsening. Most mild cases of vesico-ureteric reflux will resolve spontaneously with age. In more severe cases surgery may be indicated. Your doctor will explain to you the preferred treatment and follow-up plan for your child.
Prevention
There is no way to prevent vesico-ureteric reflux.
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