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Antenatally detected urinary tract abnormalities: more detection but less action

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Abstract

We present the findings of a prospective cohort study of babies born with antenatally detected urinary tract abnormalities (AUTAs) between 1999–2003 and compare the outcomes with those of an earlier cohort born between 1989 and 1993. All infants with a fetal anteroposterior renal pelvic diameter (APRPD) ≥7 mm in the third trimester or other urinary tract abnormality underwent a detailed postnatal ultrasound scan and other investigations as indicated. The incidence of AUTAs was significantly greater in the more recent cohort (7.6/1000 vs. 3/1000 live births; p < 0.05). Of the 350 infants on which we had data, 48.6% (170/350) were in the non-specific dilatation (NSD) category, and vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) was detected in 12%. Restricting investigations to those who had an APRPD ≥10 mm at >30 weeks of gestation could have reduced the number with NSD in the more recent cohort (26/115; 25%), but 25% of those with pelviureteric junction hold-up and 50% with VUR would have been missed. Significantly fewer patients in the more recent cohort underwent surgery (7 vs. 21%; p < 0.001). There is a trend towards larger APRPDs on third trimester scans being associated with more significant pathology, but there is a lot of clinical overlap. The study highlights the need for cautious antenatal counselling combined with an assurance to prospective parents that postnatal investigations will be performed in a stepwise manner based on the initial postnatal ultrasound scan and clinical findings.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Judith Hayes for maintaining the database and Jo Leonardi-Bee for statistical advice. We also thank the referring clinicians and radiologists who collaborated in investigation pathways.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Children & Young People’s Kidney Unit, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, City Hospital Campus Hucknall Road, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK

    Meeta Mallik & Alan R. Watson

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  1. Meeta Mallik
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  2. Alan R. Watson
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Correspondence to Alan R. Watson.

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Mallik, M., Watson, A.R. Antenatally detected urinary tract abnormalities: more detection but less action. Pediatr Nephrol 23, 897–904 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00467-008-0746-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00467-008-0746-9

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