Relationships among vesicoureteric reflux, urinary tract infection and renal injury in children with non-neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction

ObjectiveTo determine the relationship between vesicoureteric reflux (VUR), urinary tract infection (UTI), renal damage and the pattern of non-neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD), and to reveal the possible risk factors for renal damage in children with LUTD.MethodsFor the years 2004–2010, demographic, clinical, laboratory and urodynamic study reports of children with LUTD were retrospectively reviewed.ResultsOf 96 patients, there were diagnosed 70 with overactive bladder (OAB), 8 pure dysfunctional voiding (DV) and 18 OAB plus DV. The rate of VUR, UTI and renal damage in patients with OAB plus DV and pure DV was higher than in patients with OAB alone. VUR was significantly higher among the patients who had UTI. Renal scarring was detected in 25 patients, of whom 78% had OAB plus DV and 75% DV. The presence of VUR was associated with a significant increase in the rate of renal damage, and dilating reflux caused significantly greater damage compared to non-dilating reflux.ConclusionOAB plus DV and DV are major risk factors for VUR, UTI and renal damage. The presence of VUR in children with LUTD plays an important role with regard to UTI and renal damage, with dilating VUR a major risk factor associated with renal damage.