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Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors associated with different extents of renal parenchyma involvement in a paediatric series of primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Methods: A total of 549 patients with VUR were analyzed. The variable of interest was renal scar, assessed by technetium-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid scan, and classified into three subtypes: focal scar, multiple cortical scarring and diffuse scars with a contracted renal unit. The multinomial regression model was applied to identify independent variables associated with each subtype of renal damage. Results: After adjustment, four variables remained independently associated with a contracted renal unit: reflux grades III–V (odds ratio (OR) = 9.7; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.1–21.0), age at diagnosis (OR = 3; 95% CI = 1.6–5.1), unilateral reflux (OR = 2.1; 95% CI = 1.2–3.8), and male sex (OR = 2; 95% CI = 1.1–3.8). Two variables were associated with multiple scars: reflux grades III–V (OR = 13.8; 95% CI = 7.4–26.0) and age at diagnosis (OR = 1.9; 95% CI = 1.2–3.0). Two variables were associated with a focal scar: reflux grades III–V (OR = 7.9, 95% CI CI = 3.8–16.4) and male sex as a protective factor (OR = 0.5; 95% CI = 0.25–1.0). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the development of a contracted renal unit is probably due to congenital malformation, more commonly observed in male infants with high-grade reflux. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this report was to estimate the risk of hypertension in children with primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Between 1970 and 2004, 735 patients were diagnosed with VUR at a single tertiary renal unit. Of 735 patients, 664 (90%) were systematically followed and had multiple measurements of blood pressure. Hypertension was defined as values persistently above 95th for age, sex, and height in three consecutive visits. Risk of hypertension was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method. Of 664 patients followed, 20 (3%) developed hypertension. The estimated probability of hypertension was 2% (95%CI, 0.5%–3%), 6% (95%CI, 2%–10%), 15% (95%CI, 11%–20%) at 10, 15, and 21 years of age, respectively. The prevalence of hypertension has increased with age: it was 1.7% for patients with 1 yr–9.9 yr, 1.8% for adolescents with 10 yr–14.9 yr, 4.7% for patients with 15–19.9 yr, and 35% for patients >20 years at the end of the follow-up (P < 0.001). It was estimated by survival analysis that 50% of patients with unilateral and bilateral renal damage would have sustained hypertension at about 30 and 22 years of age, respectively. Hypertension increased with age and was strongly associated with renal damage at entry in an unselected population of primary VUR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two papers in this section evaluate different diseases in children, but the two subjects are of considerable importance: nocturnal enuresis and VUR. OBJECTIVE To identify independent factors predicting the resolution of primary vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR) in a cohort of medically managed children. PATIENTS AND METHODS Between 1977 and 2003, 506 children were diagnosed with VUR and were conservatively managed and prospectively followed. All of the children were maintained on antibiotic prophylaxis. Follow-up imaging consisted of voiding cysto-urethrography (VCUG) or a direct isotope cystogram at intervals of 2–3 years. The predictive factors used are based on the patient data at the time of entry in the protocol. The dependent variable was VUR resolution. The criterion for resolution was based on a single negative VCUG or direct isotope cystogram. A survival analysis identified variables significantly associated with VUR resolution. Cox's regression model was applied to identify variables independently associated with the dependent variable. RESULTS After adjustment, four variables remained as independent predictors of VUR resolution: nonwhite race, relative risk (95% confidence interval) of 1.5 (1.1–1.9; P = 0.009); mild grade of VUR, 3.3 (2.1–5.3; P < 0.001); absence of renal damage, 3.3 (2.4–4.5; P < 0.001); and absence of dysfunctional voiding, 2.0 (1.4–3.1; P < 0.001). For mild VUR, three variables were significantly associated: male gender, 1.7 (1.1–2.6; P = 0.012); absence of renal damage, 3.4 (1.8–6.4; P < 0.001); and unilateral VUR, 1.6 (1.1–2.3; P = 0.004). For moderate/severe VUR, three variables were significantly associated: nonwhite race, 1.7 (1.1–2.6; P = 0.01); absence of renal damage, 3.0 (2.0–4.4; P < 0.001); and absence of dysfunctional voiding, 2.8 (1.4–5.5; P = 0.004). CONCLUSION Few factors are amenable to intervention to modify the natural history of VUR. According to our findings, there are only two possible interventions: avoiding renal scars and managing voiding dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to report the clinical course of children and adolescents with primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). The records of 110 patients with biopsy-proven FSGS admitted between 1972 and 2004 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were recorded and histopathological data were reanalyzed by one pathologist who had no information about the outcome of the patients. Renal survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Differences between subgroups (response to corticosteroids) were assessed by the two-sided log rank test. The median age at admission was 5 years (range: 1–15 years). Forty-two patients (38.2%) presented with hematuria at admission, and 55 (50%) presented blood pressure levels above the 95th percentile. Mean follow-up time was 10 years (SD 5.5). Twenty-four patients (21.8%) presented chronic kidney disease (CKD). It was estimated that the probability of CKD was 8% at 5 years, 17% at 10 years, and 32% at 15 years after diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome. In conclusion, on the basis of the clinical and histological characteristics observed, apparently our cohort of idiopathic FSGS is comparable with other published series. However, the long-term overall renal survival seems to be better in our cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]