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Are children with congenital solitary kidney at risk for lifelong complications? A lack of prediction demands caution

  • Nephrology - Review
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Abstract

Congenital solitary functioning kidney (CSFK), which develops during embryo or fetal life, means having either one anatomical/functional kidney or two kidneys, one of which does not function. Similar anomalies have been seen in every other organ system and involve a large percentage of newborns. Still, prediction of long-term renal morbidity in congenital functioning solitary kidney is complicated by the great variability of renal and extrarenal phenotypes. Classification of different solitary renal types, whether or not a syndrome, may help to predict the possible evolution of complications; this may be hindered, however, by the gene-environment role during kidney development. Since the risk of renal failure in children with CSFK depends on several variables, it is always advisable to have a precise clinical description at diagnosis. This condition often requires long-term follow-up into adulthood.

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Abbreviations

CSFK:

Congenital solitary functioning kidney

DMSA:

99mTc-2.3-di-mercapto-succinic acid

HNF-1β:

Hepatocyte nuclear factor-1 beta

PUJO:

Pyelo-ureteral junction obstruction

RAG:

Renal agenesis

RAP:

Renal aplasia

US:

Ultrasound

VUR:

Vesicoureteral reflux

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mother-Child and Biology-Genetics, University of Verona, Piazzale L. Scuro, 10, 37134, Verona, Italy

    Marco Zaffanello & Milena Brugnara

  2. Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy

    Michele Zuffante

  3. Transfusion Service, Verona Hospital, Verona, Italy

    Massimo Franchini

  4. Department of Pediatrics and Clinical Medicine, Section of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy

    Vassilios Fanos

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  1. Marco Zaffanello
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  2. Milena Brugnara
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Correspondence to Marco Zaffanello.

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Zaffanello, M., Brugnara, M., Zuffante, M. et al. Are children with congenital solitary kidney at risk for lifelong complications? A lack of prediction demands caution. Int Urol Nephrol 41, 127–135 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11255-008-9437-5

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