Summary
Introduction
High-grade vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in infants is associated with congenital renal
abnormalities, recurrent UTI, and bladder dysfunction. Endoscopic treatment (ET) is
a well-established method in children with low to moderate reflux grades, but there
is a lack of randomised controlled trials regarding the use of ET versus continuous
antibiotic prophylaxis in infants with high-grade VUR.
Objective
This study aimed to determine whether high-grade VUR in infants can be treated with
endoscopic injection and whether ET is superior to antibiotic prophylaxis in the treatment
of VUR.
Materials and methods
This prospective, randomised, controlled, multicentre, 1-year follow-up trial comprised
77 infants (55 boys, 22 girls) <8 months of age with VUR grade 4–5 (n = 30/n = 47). Of the infants, 52 (68%) had bilateral VUR. Thirty-nine were randomised to
antibiotic prophylaxis and 38 to ET (with prophylaxis until resolution). Voiding cystourethrogram,
ultrasound, renal scintigraphy, and free voiding observation were performed at study
entry and after 1 year to evaluate VUR grade, and renal and bladder function.
Results
VUR grade ≤2 was seen in 22 (59%) infants in the endoscopy group and eight (21%) in
the prophylaxis group at follow-up (p = 0.0014). The success rate in the endoscopy group was 100% in unilateral grade 4,
falling to 31% in bilateral grade 5 (p = 0.0094). Correspondingly, the results in the prophylaxis group were 40% in grade
4 down to 0% in bilateral grade 5 (p = 0.037) (Table). Logistic regression analyses identified ET, VUR grade 4, unilaterality, and low
residual urine at baseline as positive predictors of VUR down-grading to ≤2 (area
under ROC curve 0.88). In four patients with reflux resolution after one injection,
dilating reflux recurred at the 1-year follow-up. One patient had a UTI possibly related
to ET. In our material four patients required re-implantation, of whom one was obstructive
after injection.
Discussion
The opportunity to offer even small infants with high-grade VUR an alternative, minimally
invasive treatment option is a great advance in paediatric urology. In this high-risk
group, bilateral VUR grade 5 stands out with its poor bladder function and low chance
of resolution. The recurrence rate of dilating VUR after successful ET is consistent
with previous studies. The limitations are the relatively small number of patients
and the short follow-up.
Conclusion
TableVUR-grade at 1-year follow-up and VUR ≤2 divided by VUR-grade and uni- or bilaterality
at baseline trial.
| Variable | Endoscopy group (n = 38) | Prophylaxis group (n = 39) | p-value | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade of VUR at 1-year follow-up | ||||||
| VUR = 0 | 17 (46%) | 6 (16%) | ||||
| VUR = 1 | 2 (5%) | 0 (0%) | ||||
| VUR = 2 | 3 (8%) | 2 (5%) | ||||
| VUR = 3 | 6 (16%) | 7 (18%) | ||||
| VUR = 4 | 4 (11%) | 13 (34%) | ||||
| VUR = 5 | 5 (14%) | 10 (26%) | 0.0007 | |||
| VUR grade ≤2 vs >2 at 1-year follow-up | ||||||
| VUR grade 0–2 | 22 (59%) | 8 (21%) | ||||
| VUR grade 3–5 | 15 (41%) | 30 (79%) | 0.0014 | |||
| Variable | Endoscopy group | Prophylaxis group | ||||
| VUR grade ≤2 at 1-year follow-up (n = 22) | VUR grade >2 at 1-year follow-up (n = 15) | p-value | VUR grade ≤2 at 1-year follow-up (n = 8) | VUR grade >2 at 1-year follow-up (n = 30) | p-value | |
| VUR grade at Baseline | ||||||
| Unilateral 4 | 7 (100%) | 0 (0%) | 2 (40%) | 3 (60%) | ||
| Bilateral 4 | 6 (75%) | 2 (25%) | 4 (40%) | 6 (60%) | ||
| Unilateral 5 | 4 (67%) | 2 (33%) | 2 (29%) | 5 (71%) | ||
| Bilateral 5 | 5 (31%) | 11 (69%) | 0.0094 | 0 (0%) | 16 (100%) | 0.037 |
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: October 24, 2016
Accepted:
August 21,
2016
Received:
May 8,
2016
Identification
Copyright
© 2016 Journal of Pediatric Urology Company. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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- Swedish infant VUR trialJournal of Pediatric UrologyVol. 13Issue 2
- PreviewHigh-grade vesicoureteral reflux in the infant has long challenged the pediatric urologist. Resolution rates are low, there seems to be a higher risk of infection threatening kidneys that may already be compromised, and surgical repair is not for the timid. The authors continue a long tradition of detailed clinical studies in pediatric infection and reflux; the study was partially concomitant with the larger Swedish reflux trial published in 2011.
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