Spontaneous vesicoureteral reflux resolution curves based on ureteral diameter ratio.

Introduction: Various factors influence the clinical course of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in the pediatric population. Distal ureteral diameter ratio (UDR) is an objective measure reflective of ureterovesical junction anatomy that has been shown to independently predict both spontaneous resolution and breakthrough febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) in children with primary reflux. UDR resolution curves were created, hypothesizing that a UDR value existed at which spontaneous resolution was unlikely to occur.

Voiding cystourethrogram: Who gets a cyclic study and does it matter?

Background: Voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) images the urethra and bladder during both bladder filling and emptying, as well as the ureters and kidneys when vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is present. Given the variation in VCUG technique and reporting, the American Academy of Pediatrics Sections on Urology and Radiology published a joint standardized VCUG protocol in 2016, which included the recommendation of at least 2 voiding cycles to identify intermittent VUR and/or ureteral ectopia.

Study Design: VCUG were assessed for adherence to performance of cyclic study.

Armamentarium to treat primary vesicoureteral reflux in children.

Primary vesicoureteral reflux often spontaneously resolves in children. However, in select patients, untreated reflux can contribute to recurrent pyelonephritis leading to irreversible renal damage. Management is therefore based on a given child's likelihood of recurrent urinary tract infections and risk of subsequent renal parenchymal injury.

Characteristics Among Premenarchal Girls With Lichen Sclerosus.

Objectives: Lichen sclerosus (LS), a chronic inflammatory dermatosis localized in the anogenital region, is known to be associated with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in postmenopausal women; however, there is a paucity of data on prepubertal girls. We sought to characterize the relationship between LS, LUTS, and constipation among premenarchal girls.

Materials And Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of premenarchal girls presenting at the pediatric adolescent gynecology and pediatric urology clinics at our institution diagnosed with vulvar LS during a 4-year period.

Standardized protocol for voiding cystourethrogram: Are recommendations being followed?

Background: Voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) images the urethra and bladder during filling and emptying, as well as ureters and kidneys when vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is present, providing detailed information about both anatomical and functional status of the urinary tract. Given the importance of information obtained, and the varying quality depending on VCUG technique and radiology reporting, the American Academy of Pediatrics Sections on Urology and Radiology published a joint standardized VCUG protocol in 2016.

Objective: We compared VCUG reports from multiple institutions before and after publication of the protocol to determine adherence to recommendations.

Predicting Breakthrough Urinary Tract Infection: Comparative Analysis of Vesicoureteral Reflux Index, Reflux Grade and Ureteral Diameter Ratio.

Purpose: The vesicoureteral reflux index is a simple, validated tool for predicting resolution of reflux. Along with likelihood of spontaneous resolution identification of children at risk for febrile urinary tract infection impacts management. We evaluated the usefulness of the vesicoureteral reflux index as a predictive factor for breakthrough febrile urinary tract infection compared to reflux grade and distal ureteral diameter ratio.

Accuracy of subjective vesicoureteral reflux timing assessment: supporting new voiding cystourethrogram guidelines.

Background: Bladder volume at the onset of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is an important prognostic indicator of spontaneous resolution and the risk of pyelonephritis.

Objective: We aim to determine whether pediatric urologists and pediatric radiologists can accurately estimate the timing of reflux by examining voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) images without prior knowledge of the instilled contrast volume.

Materials And Methods: Total bladder volume and the volume at the time of reflux were collected from VCUG reports to determine the volume at the onset of VUR.

Evolving surgical management of pediatric vesicoureteral reflux: is open ureteral reimplantation still the 'Gold Standard'?

Vesicoureteral reflux, the retrograde flow of urine from the bladder into the upper urinary tract, is one of the most common urologic diagnoses in the pediatric population. Once detected, therapeutic options for urinary reflux are diverse, ranging from observation with or without continuous low-dose prophylactic antibiotics to a variety of operative interventions. While a standardized algorithm is lacking, it is generally accepted that management be tailored to individual patients based on various factors including age, likelihood of spontaneous resolution, risk of subsequent urinary tract infections with renal parenchymal injury, and parental preference.

Assessment of health literacy in adolescents with spina bifida and their caregivers: a multi-institutional study.

Introduction: and Objective: Health literacy is defined as the ability to obtain, integrate, and appraise health-related knowledge. It is known to correlate with disparities in clinical outcomes in adults with chronic disease. Patients with spina bifida represent a potentially vulnerable cohort as they often have multiple comorbidities.

Lichen Sclerosus in Prepubertal Girls: An Uncommon but Treatable Cause of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms.

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis commonly visualized in the anogenital region with porcelain-white atrophic patches that extend to the perianal region in a figure-of-eight configuration. While LS is known to increase lower urinary tract symptoms and incontinence in postmenopausal women, the age distribution is bimodal and literature on the LS impact in prepubertal girls remains limited. There is an association with autoimmune conditions and the pathogenesis is thought to be autoimmune with an underlying genetic predisposition.

Prune belly syndrome: current perspectives.

Prune belly syndrome (PBS) is a rare but morbid congenital disease, classically defined by a triad of cardinal features that includes cryptorchidism, urinary tract dilation and laxity of the abdominal wall musculature. Children often require numerous surgical interventions including bilateral orchidopexy as well as individually tailored urinary tract and abdominal wall reconstruction. Along with the classic features, patients with PBS often experience gastrointestinal, orthopedic, and cardiopulmonary comorbidities.

New trends in voiding cystourethrography and vesicoureteral reflux: Who, when and how?

Vesicoureteral reflux, retrograde flow of urine from the bladder into the upper urinary tract, is one of the most common urological diagnoses in the pediatric population. Diagnosis and subsequent management of urinary reflux have become increasingly debated in the past decade, with divergent opinions over which patients should be evaluated for reflux, and when detected, which children should receive intervention. Although some argue that vesicoureteral reflux is a "phenotype" that often resolves without intervention, others contest that untreated reflux has the potential to cause irreversible renal damage over time.

Imipramine for refractory daytime incontinence in the pediatric population.

Introduction And Objective: Lower urinary tract (LUT) and voiding dysfunction constitute a large percentage of pediatric urology referrals. Children with urinary incontinence unresponsive to behavioral modifications and traditional pharmacotherapy including anticholinergics and alpha blockers remain a challenge. We evaluated the impact of imipramine on treatment outcomes in children with refractory incontinence.

Distal Ureteral Diameter Ratio is Predictive of Breakthrough Febrile Urinary Tract Infection.

Purpose: Distal ureteral diameter ratio is an objective measure that is prognostic of spontaneous resolution of vesicoureteral reflux. Along with likelihood of resolution, improved identification of children at risk for recurrent febrile urinary tract infections may impact management decisions. We evaluated the usefulness of ureteral diameter ratio as a predictive factor for breakthrough febrile urinary tract infections.