Renal scarring associated with vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR), most commonly detected in young children, is associated with a significant risk of developing hypertension in later life. Hypertension in reflux nephropathy contributes significantly to morbidity including deterioration of renal function.
What causes vesicoureteral reflux?
The cause of this form of reflux is most often from failure of the bladder to empty properly, either due to a blockage or failure of the bladder muscle or damage to the nerves that control normal bladder emptying.
Can renal scarring cause hypertension?
Current theory holds that renal scarring is central to the pathogenesis of hypertension in patients with UTI and VUR. 22,44,79,80,87 Arterial damage in scarred areas could lead to segmental ischaemia and thus renin driven hypertension.
What is the mechanism of vesicoureteral reflux in children?
When a child has vesicoureteral reflux, the mechanism that prevents the backflow of urine does not work, allowing urine to flow in both directions. This condition is most frequently diagnosed in infancy and childhood. A child who has vesicoureteral reflux is at risk for developing recurrent kidney infections.
Can VUR cause high blood pressure?
VUR, multicystic dysplastic kidney, ureteropelvic junction obstruction, and posterior urethral valves have been associated with hypertension [11]. VUR is one of the most common causes of severe hypertension in children [6, 10–13].
What is chronic reflux nephropathy?
Reflux nephropathy is a condition in which the kidneys are damaged by the backward flow of urine into the kidney. One method of examining bladder function is by injecting dye that is visible on X-rays through a tube (catheter) to fill the bladder.
Is vesicoureteral reflux genetic?
It is clear that in a large proportion of patients VUR is genetic in origin. Forty five percent of children with primary VUR are from families where at least one additional family member is affected, and often the disease occurs in two or more generations (10,14).
Is vesicoureteral reflux common?
Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) mostly affects newborns, infants and young children ages two and under, but older children and (rarely) adults can also be affected. Children who have abnormal kidneys or urinary tracts are more likely to have VUR. The condition is more common in girls than in boys.
Is hypertension a disease?
Hypertension is a serious medical condition and can increase the risk of heart, brain, kidney and other diseases. It is a major cause of premature death worldwide, with upwards of 1 in 4 men and 1 in 5 women – over a billion people – having the condition.
Why does VUR cause hypertension?
Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a less recognized cause of hypertension in the adult population. It is a congenital anomaly of the ureterovesical junction due to deficiency of the submucosal longitudinal muscle that predisposes the individual to retrograde urine reflux.
Does UTI cause acid reflux?
More detail is in the main article. Vesicoureteral reflux is when urine flows the wrong way, back towards the kidneys. It usually affects infants and young children but it can happen at any age. It is associated with urinary tract infections (UTI), but it is usually caused by a faulty valve that is present from birth.
What is hypertensive nephropathy?
Hypertensive nephropathy refers to kidney failure that can be attributed to a history of hypertension It is a chronic condition and it is a serious risk factor for the development of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD).
What is primary vesicoureteral reflux?
Primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is the commonest congenital urological abnormalities in children, which has been associated with an increased risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) and renal scarring, also called reflux nephropathy (RN).
What happens if vesicoureteral reflux is left untreated?
Vesicoureteral reflux is usually diagnosed in infants and children. The disorder increases the risk of urinary tract infections, which, if left untreated, can lead to kidney damage. Vesicoureteral reflux can be primary or secondary.
What is the treatment for vesicoureteral reflux in children?
Children may outgrow primary vesicoureteral reflux. Treatment, which includes medication or surgery, aims at preventing kidney damage. Urinary tract infections commonly occur in people with vesicoureteral reflux.
Can a child with VUR have secondary reflux?
A child also can have secondary VUR because the nerves to the bladder may not work well. The nerve problems can prevent the bladder from relaxing and contracting normally to release urine. Children with secondary VUR often have bilateral reflux, meaning the VUR affects both ureters and both kidneys.
