Diagnosis
When diagnosing VUR, doctors take into consideration various factors, including the patient’s family medical history, age, gender, symptoms, and sexual history. In some cases, VUR may be suspected even before birth, when an ultrasound reveals hydronephrosis or kidney stretching. To confirm and grade VUR diagnoses, doctors rely on imaging tests.
A voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) is one such test that involves taking x-ray images of the urinary tract. During this procedure, medical staff insert a catheter to drain urine from the bladder and then fill it with liquid dye. Throughout the emptying and filling process, VCUG captures images to monitor the movement of liquids through the urinary tract.
In addition to VCUG, doctors may use an abdominal or renal ultrasound to assess the size and shape of the kidney. This imaging test can also help detect masses, cysts, kidney stones, scarring, and other structural abnormalities that may be associated with VUR.
Treatment
Effective treatment for VUR graded 1 through 3 typically involves self-resolution within a period of five years after diagnosis. However, in cases where children experience frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and fevers, additional measures may be necessary. This may include the administration of prophylactic antibiotics and regular urine tests to monitor the condition.
Preventative therapy aims to prevent the development of UTIs by utilizing the lowest possible dosage of antibiotics. This approach helps to eliminate bacterial infections before they can occur, minimizing the risk to children. Furthermore, it ensures that the child’s immunity to illness or infection is not compromised. By protecting the kidneys from infection and scar tissue formation, preventative therapy effectively avoids long-term damage to these vital organs.