Reflux nephropathy. 15 year study

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Reflux nephropathy (RN) is the main complication of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Material and methods: A retrospective study of 200 patients with VUR was made during 15 years. The time when proteinuria appeared, arterial hypertension, kind of scar and of reflux were determined. Result: Nine percent of the patients (18 individuals) developed RN, all of them had high grade VUR and also had frequent episodes of urinary tract infections (UTI). Seventy two percent of patients developed RN during the first five years after the diagnosis of VUR and 76.1% of them had secondary VUR. Proteinuria was observed in 100% of patients and it was accompanied by arterial hypertension in some patients. Conclusions: Bilateral renal scars in patients with high grade VUR, recurrent UTI associated to urinary tract malformations are the main risk factors for the developing of RN. Proteinuria is a constant and early element in patients with RN, and together with arterial hypertension are risk factors for the deterioration of renal function in these patients.