Vesicoureteral Reflux

• Vesicoureteral Reflux Definition
• Vesicoureteral Reflux Causes
• Vesicoureteral Reflux Symptoms
• Vesicoureteral Reflux Tests and Treatment

Vesicoureteral Reflux Definition

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) - condition of abnormal flow of urine from the ureter back the the bladder (opposite of normal direction) into the ureters. VUR is most commonly diagnosed in infancy and childhood after the patient has a urinary tract infection (UTI).

There are two types of VUR

• Primary Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) - birth defect where the child is born with an impaired valve where the ureter joins the bladder
The valve does not close properly, so urine backs up (refluxes) from the bladder to the ureters, and sometimes to the kidneys. This type of VUR can get better over time
• Secondary Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) - blockage possibly caused by bladder infections creating a reflux of urine to the kidneys

Vesicoureteral Reflux Causes

Bacteria from the Urinary Tract Infections tend to also cause inflammation in the ureters, kidney and the bladder, and UTI's are most commonly assisiated with Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR). Birth defect problems are also a common cause of Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR).

Vesicoureteral Reflux Symptoms

Night sweats, high blood pressure, urine protein (Proteinuria). If the protein is Albumin, the problem is referred to as Albuminuria. Other symptoms are kidney problems, including possible acute kidney failure may occur later in the patients life. Complications from renal and bladder problems can lead to a number of other symptoms along the urinary tract

Vesicoureteral Reflux Tests and Treatment

Common tests for Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR) include:

• Kidney and bladder ultrasound - test using sound waves to examine the kidney and bladder. Ultrasounds do not show all urinary problems
• Voiding Cystourethrogram - test that examines the urethra and bladder while the bladder fills and empties. The Voiding cystourethrogram test can show urethra and bladder abnormalities plus detect urine-flow problems
• Intravenous Pyelogram - a complete urinary tract exam that involves swallowing liquids that can be seen on x-rays and monitoring the urine flow

Vesicoureteral Reflux treatment is aimed at further kidney damage prevention and focus on Urinary Tract Infections prevention. Surgery is sometimes performed to repair organs damaged by VUR, in cases of severe complications, or ineffective antibiotics treatments.