Can reflux nephropathy cause chronic kidney disease?
Reflux nephropathy is the second most common cause of chronic tubulointerstitial disease and the fourth common cause of ESRD in children. Patients present with signs and symptoms of chronic kidney disease and hypertension.
Does VUR damage kidneys?
Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) itself is not life-threatening. However, VUR can lead to recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can result in renal scarring (kidney scarring) and then worsen into renal hypertension (high blood pressure caused by kidney disease) and renal (kidney) disease.
Can reflux nephropathy cause protein in urine?
Some of the complications of reflux nephropathy have already been discussed, such as urine infection, protein in the urine, high blood pressure and kidney failure.
How is reflux nephropathy treated?
Surgery to place the ureter back into the bladder (ureteral reimplantation) can stop reflux nephropathy in some cases. More severe reflux may need reconstructive surgery. This type of surgery may reduce the number and severity of urinary tract infections. If needed, people will be treated for chronic kidney disease.
What is chronic reflux nephropathy?
Reflux nephropathy is a condition in which the kidneys are damaged by the backward flow of urine into the kidney. One method of examining bladder function is by injecting dye that is visible on X-rays through a tube (catheter) to fill the bladder.
What happens when urine goes back up into the kidneys?
When you have VUR, the urine in your bladder goes back up to the ureter and the kidneys. This could cause infections and damage your kidneys. VUR affects about 10% of children. Although most are able to grow out of this condition, people who have severe cases may need surgery to protect their kidneys.
Does reflux nephropathy affect the kidneys?
Some people with reflux nephropathy will not lose kidney function over time, even though their kidneys are damaged. However, kidney damage may be permanent. If only one kidney is involved, the other kidney should keep working normally.
What is the prognosis of reflux nephropathy?
Outcome varies, depending on the severity of the reflux. Some people with reflux nephropathy will not lose kidney function over time, even though their kidneys are damaged. However, kidney damage may be permanent. If only one kidney is involved, the other kidney should keep working normally.
What are the possible complications of chronic kidney disease?
Complications that may result from this condition or its treatment include: Blockage of the ureter after surgery. Chronic kidney disease. Chronic or repeat urinary tract infections. Chronic kidney failure if both kidneys are involved (can progress to end-stage kidney disease) Kidney infection.
What is the treatment for reflux nephropathy?
Reflux nephropathy – Simple, uncomplicated vesicoureteral reflux (called primary reflux) can be treated with 1 Antibiotics taken every day to prevent urinary tract infections. 2 Careful monitoring of kidney function. 3 Repeated urine cultures. 4 Yearly ultrasound of the kidneys.