• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.53-59
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• 1997

There have been many recent reports that unilateral renal agenesis and multicystic dysplastic kidneys are accompanied by contralateral vesicoureteral reflux leading to its injury. We grouped the children with unilateral renal agenesis, renal hypoplasia, multicystic dysplastic kidney into abnormal unilateral renal development and investigated whether it was accompanied with contralateral vesicoureteral reflux. We retrospectively reviewed 96 pediatric cases of unilateral renal agenesis, hypoplasia, multicystic dysplastic kidney diagnosed at Shinchon Severance Hospital, Yongdong Severance Hospital from 1987 to 1996 and Ajou University Hospital from 1994 to 1996. Diagnosis was based on radiological findings, renal hypoplasia being defined as small renal size with no apparent renal scarring and no irregularity of the calyceopelvic system on abdominal sonography or intravenous pyelography. Among the 96 cases,48 cases carried out voiding cystourethrography. 58 cases were male(60%) and 38 cases were female(40%). The cases of abnormal unilateral development on the left side were 45(47%) and that on the right side were 51(53%). Although there were diverse reasons leading to diagnosis, the major ones included were prenatal sonography, urinary tract infection, and other congenital anomalies. In cases of unilateral renal agenesis & hypoplasia the leading factors were urinary tract infection & other congenital anomalies and in cases of multicystic dysplastic kidney that was prenatal sonography. There was a chronological gap between the mean age of diagnosis(1.8 year) and voiding cystouerthrography(2.5 year, P < 0.01). 9 of the 18 unilateral renal agenesis cases, 5 of the 11 unilateral renal hypoplasia cases, and 3 of the 19 unilateral multicystic dysplastic kidney cases showed contralateral vesicoureteral reflux. Average reflux grade was above G III.Among the 17 children who had contralateral vesicoureteral reflux, 3 children had chronic renal failure and ureteroneocystostomy was carried out in 6 children. From the above results we conclude that screening voiding cystourethrography should be performed in children with abnormal unilateral renal development for early detection of vesicoureteral reflux in the contralateral kidney.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.256-261
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• 2004

We report a case of severe(gradeV) unilateral vesicoureteral reflux(VUR) without any renal damage in a 6-month-old boy through the early sil)ling screening test for VUR, whose old brother had reflux nephropathy. The early detection of VUR aroused us to take special precautions to prevent urinary tract infection in this patient. We believe that this approach was helpful to reduce the risk of renal damage in this patient and are reporting the case with a brief review of related literatures. It is our firm suggestion that screening for vesicoureteral reflux should be carried out in every child who has siblings with refluf nephrouathy.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.179-183
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• 2011

Abrupt progression of renal scarring associated with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is rare in males over 2 years old of age. We report a 5 year old boy with sustained unilateral high grade VUR who experienced abrupt progression of renal scarring; he had a relative renal radionuclide uptake of 38% at 2 years of age that dropped to 8% after three years. Per his parent's wishes, he took prophylactic antibiotics for 25 months after his first febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) at 4 months old without surgical management. One episode of recurrent breakthrough infection occurred at the age of 2 years. This observation reminds us that a recommending surgical management for sustained high grade VUR associated with renal scarring might be needed. Close follow up of DMSA for renal scanning, and long term follow up of patients after the first febrile UTI are important.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.38-45
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• 1997

Purpose : Vesicoureteral reflux(VUR) in childhood may be the primary cause of recurrent urinary tract infection and renal scarring. Renal ultrasonography, DMSA, and voiding cystourethrogram are the standard clinical methods for detection of vesicoureteral reflux. But these methods have many disadvantages such as invasiveness and high cost. So, we studied to observe the significance of urine ${\beta}_2$-microglobulin in association with other non-radiologic methods for predictng vesicoureteral reflux. Methods : We evaluated 40 patients with urinary tract infection who were admitted to Korea university Hospital from July 1993 to June 1994. Among them, 24 patients revealed urinary tract infection and vesicoureteral reflux(group A), 16 patients revealed only urinary tract infection(group B). Both groups were compared by presence of fever, hematuria, and proteinuria, positivity of CRP, and level of BUN, Cr, GFR by 99mTc-DTPA, urine ${\beta}_2$-microglobulin, 24 hours urine albumin. Results : 1) Among 24 patients who had vesicoureteral reflux, 14 had unilateral VUR, 10 had bilateral VUR, three kidneys with grade I, nine with grade II, eleven with grade III, eleven with grade IV by classification of International Reflux Study Committee. Among them, 14 patients had renal scar, five with type A, five with type B, four with type C, none with type D by Smellie's classification. 2) The mean of GFR, BUN, Cr, 24hrs urine albumin and the presence of hematuria and proteinuria showed no significant difference between group A and group B. The mean of urine ${\beta}_2$ microglobulin in group A and group B were $283.6{\pm}195.8{\mu}g/l$ and $78.7{\pm}48.5{\mu}g/l$ respectively, showing that group A had a higher value than group B (p<0.01). In case of ${\beta}_2$ microglobulin > $120{\mu}g/l$ and CRP(+), the sensitivity was 93.3% and the specificity is 77.8% for detecting of VUR. In case of ${\beta}_2$-microglobulin>$120{\mu}g/l$ and fever(+), the sensitivity was 92.2%, and the specificity was 62.5% for detecting of VUR Conclusions : If the level of urinary ${\beta}_2$-microglobulin is more than 120ug/l in children with urinary tract infection in association with fever(+) or CRP(+), it can predict VUR. So we can use it for early detection of VUR.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.9
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• pp.998-1003
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• 2005

Purpose : We evaluated the occurrence of renal scarring in children with unilateral vesicoureteral reflux(VUR), and the relationships between renal scar formation and risk factors such as VUR, duration of fever, acute-phase reactant, age, and sex. Methods : We retrospectively analyzed the data of 35 children newly diagnosed with unilateral vesicoureteral reflux after urinary tract infection(UTI) in Wallace Memorial Baptist Hospital between January 1996 and December 2004. Ultrasonography, Erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR), and C-reactive protein(CRP) were performed initially. Voiding cystourethrography(VCUG) was performed 1 to 3 weeks after treatment with UTI. $^{99m}Tc$-dimercaptosuccinic acid(DMSA) scan was performed 4 to 6 months after treatment. Results : Scintigraphic renal damage was present in 29 percent of the refluxing and in 3 percent of the nonrefluxing kidneys(P<0.05). The severity of VUR was significantly correlated with renal scar formation(P<0.05). The duration of fever before treatmen($5.0{\pm}1.3$ vs $2.6{\pm}1.3$) and prolonged fever of over 5 days were significantly different between renal scar group and non-renal scar group(P<0.05). ESR($56.3{\pm}23.8$ vs $27.9{\pm}18.1mm/hr$, P<0.05) and CRP($12.8{\pm}7.3$ vs $3.9{\pm}3.8mg/dL$, P<0.05) at the diagnosis of UTI in the renal scar group were higher, compared to those of the non-renal scar group. There were no significant differences in age and sex between the two groups. Conclusion : The presence and grade of VUR, the duration of fever before treatment, prolonged fever over 5 days, ESR, and CRP were risk factors for renal scarring, irrespective of age and sex. Diagnosis and management of VUR, in children with UTI, is important to prevent renal scars.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.111-115
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• 2014

Hyperkalemia is often detected in young infants, particularly in association with acute pyelonephritis or a urinary tract anomaly. Cases of hyperkalemia in this population may also be due to transient pseudohypoaldosteronism, or immaturity of renal tubules in handling potassium excretion. Symptoms of hyperkalemia are non-specific, but are predominantly related to skeletal or cardiac muscle dysfunction, and can be fatal. Therefore, treatment has to be initiated immediately. Administration of fludrocortisone for hyperkalemia is appropriate in cases with hypoaldosteronism, but is challenging in young infants with hyperkalemia due to renal tubular immaturity, without pseudohypoaldosteronism. We report the case of a 25-day-old male presenting with persistent hyperkalemia with normal serum aldosterone, who was admitted with a first episode of pyelonephritis and unilateral high-grade vesicoureteral reflux. The patient was treated successfully with fludrocortisone.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.152-160
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• 1998

Purpose : Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), which can result in renal failure in children, is expected to resolve spontaneously in mild cases, but severe cases require surgical correction, posing dilemma in deciding the right measures in some cases. Therefore, to delineate the factors affecting spontaneous resolution of VUR and to apply them in assessing the prognosis, we reviewed the patients with VUR who had been treated medically. Patients and Methods : 32 children (49 renal units) with reflux who had been admitted during the 5-year period from Jan '92 to Dec '96 were classified into 4 groups (Resolved, Improved, Unchanged, and Worsened) and analyzed. Results : 1) 25 were boys and 7 girls. The age at diagnosis ranged from 13 days to 9 years (mean $24.6{\pm}11.4$ mo) 2) Among 49 refluxing ureters, 4 were below 1 me of age,21 between 1 me to 1 yr, 16 between 1 yr to 6 yr, 8 beyond 6 yr. Two belonged to Grade I, 16 to Crade II, 17 to Grade III, 12 to Grade IV, and 2 to Grade V. 3) Spontaneous resolution rates of reflux were 100, 81, 47, 8, 0$\%$ for each Grade, respectively. Resolution plus improvement rates in Grade III and IV were 71 and $50\%$, each. 4) Resolution rates in relation to the age at diagnosis were $100\%$ for below 1 mo, $48\%$ between 1 mo to 1 yr, $56\%$ between 1 to 6 yr, and $13\%$ beyond 6 yr. 5) Of 15 unilateral refluxing ureters, 14 ($93\%$) resulted in resolution. Of 34 bilateral refluxing ureters, 11 ($32\%$) resolved spontaneously 6) Resolution occurred within 1 year in 20 units of 24 renal units in regular follow-up. Conclusion: The lower the initial grade and the younger the patient, the sooner the reflux resolved. Resolution was better when VUR was unilateral than bilateral. Long-term regular follow-up is essential because even the cases falling in Grades III and IV have high rates of spontaneous resolution and improvement with medical treatment.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.71-74
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• 2018

Endoscopic subureteral injection for treatment of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is known to be safe and efficient due to its minimal invasive nature. Being non-migratory, non-antigenic, and biocompatible, Macroplastique (Polydimethylsiloxane) is likely to be stable over time. A 5-year-old boy with a past history of subureteral administration of Macroplastique for unilateral Grade V VUR 4 years ago presented with recurrent gross and microscopic hematuria, along with suprapubic pain. On computed tomography (CT) abdomen, calcified material, suspected to be a stone, was visualized in the bladder. On diagnostic cystoscopy, calcification was seen around the orifice site where Macroplastique injection had been performed. We removed the calcific material by Holmium laser. Endoscopic subureteric implantation has several advantages, but nevertheless, vigilance is needed to detect long-term complications, especially in patients with gross or microscopic hematuria.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.74-82
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• 2007

Purpose : To analyze the clinical characteristics, spontaneous resolution rate and predictive factors of resolution in children with primary vesicoureteral reflux(VUR). Methods : Between October 1991 and July 2003, 149 children diagnosed with primary VUR at Chonbuk National University Hospital were reviewed retrospectively. All of the patients were maintained on low-dose antibiotic prophylaxis and underwent radionuclide cystograms at 1 year intervals over 3 years after the initial diagnosis of VUR by voiding cystourethrogram was made. Results : The median time to resolution of VUR was 24 months and the total 3 year-cumulative resolution rate of VUR was 61.7%. The following variables were associated with resolution of VUR according to univariate analysis-; age<1 year, male gender, mild grade of reflux, unilateral reflux, congenital hydronephrosis as clinical presentation at time of diagnosis of VUR, absence of focal defects in the renal scan at diagnosis, absence of recurrent UTI, renal scars and small kidney during follow-up. After adjustment by Cox regression model, five variables remained as independent predictors of VUR resolution; age<1 yew, relative risk 1.77(P<0.05), VUR grade I+II 2.98(P<0.05), absence of renal scars 2.23(P<0.05), and absence of small kidney 5.20(P<0.01) during follow-up. Conclusion : In this study, spontaneous resolution rate of VUR, even high grade reflux, is high in infants during medical management, and it was related to age, reflux grade at diagnosis, absence of renal scars and small kidney during follow-up. Therefore early surgical intervention should be avoided and reserved for the selected groups.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.222-228
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• 2009

Purpose : We checked voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) in patients with congenital hydronephrosis (CHN) and followed up the occurrence of urinary tract infection(UTI) in these patients. And we tried to figure out the relationship between CHN and VUR and UTI. Methods : We performed a retrospective study in 122 CHN patients who received VCUG from 2002 to 2008 at Ajou University Hospital. We executed logistic regression, chi-square test and T-test using version 16.0 SPSS package for the statistical analysis. P<0.05 was regarded as significant. Results : Most patients with CHN were male (73%) and there was a tendency of preferences for unilateral (77%) and left (84%) occurrence of hydronephrosis. The incidence of VUR was 18.9% among 122 CHN patients and no laterality difference was found to the severity of VUR or hydronephrosis. The incidences of VUR and UTI was higher in group of higher grade (III-IV) CHN patients, when compared to the lower group, respectively. When VUR was present in CHN patients, the incidence of UTI during infancy was also higher. Conclusion : The incidence of VUR was higher in patients with higher grades of CHN. The incidence of UTI during infancy was higher when VUR was present in the CHN patients.