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Reflux nephropathy

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Female urinary tract
Female urinary tract
Male urinary tract
Male urinary tract
Voiding cystourethrogram
Voiding cystourethrogram
Vesicoureteral reflux
Vesicoureteral reflux

Alternative Names    Return to top

Chronic atrophic pyelonephritis; Vesicoureteric reflux; Nephropathy - reflux; Ureteral reflux

Definition    Return to top

Reflux nephropathy is a condition in which the kidneys are damaged by the backward flow of urine into the kidney.

Causes    Return to top

Urine flows from the kidneys, through the ureters, and into the bladder. Each ureter has a one-way valve where it enters the bladder, preventing urine from flowing back up the ureter.

Reflux nephropathy occurs when these valves fail, allowing urine to flow back up to the kidney. If the bladder is infected or the urine contains bacteria, the kidney become infected (pyelonephritis).

Because the pressure in the bladder is generally higher than in the kidney, the reflux of urine exposes the kidney to unusually high pressure. Over time, this increased pressure will damage the kidney and cause scarring.

Reflux can occur in people whose ureters do not extend very far into the bladder. The ureters enter the bladder through "tunnels" in the bladder wall, and the pressure in the bladder normally keeps these tunnels pressed closed. If the bladder-wall tunnels are short or absent, pressure within the bladder can force urine back up the ureter.

Reflux can occur with other conditions, including the following:

Reflux nephropathy is often found when a child is checked for repeat or suspicious bladder infections. If reflux is discovered, the child's siblings may also be checked, because reflux can run in families.

The degree of reflux -- separated into five different grades -- helps determine treatment. Simple reflux often falls into grade I or II.

Reflux nephropathy also can occur from temporary swelling after the ureters are reimplanted during a kidney transplant or because of trauma to the ureter.

The risk factors include a personal or family history of reflux, abnormalities of the urinary tract, and repeat urinary tract infections.

Symptoms    Return to top

Some people can have no symptoms from reflux nephropathy. There may be no symptoms if only one kidney is affected. If symptoms do occur, they might be similar to those of a urinary tract infection, nephrotic syndrome, or chronic kidney failure.

Symptoms include:

Other symptoms that can occur with this disease include the following:

Note: The disorder may not cause symptoms.

Exams and Tests    Return to top

The blood pressure may be raised, and there may be signs and symptoms of chronic kidney failure.

Other tests include:

Treatment    Return to top

Simple, uncomplicated reflux (called primary reflux) less than grade III can be treated by the following:

More severe reflux may require surgery, such as the following:

Surgery to place the ureter(s) back into the bladder can be done to stop reflux nephropathy. This surgery results in less frequent and less severe urinary tract infections.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

The outcome varies. Most cases of reflux nephropathy get better on their own. However, the damage to the kidney may be permanent. If only one kidney is involved, the other kidney may continue to function.

Reflux nephropathy may cause kidney failure in children and young adults.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of reflux nephropathy, or if you have decreased urine output or other new symptoms.

Prevention    Return to top

Quickly treating conditions that cause reflux of urine into the kidney may prevent reflux nephropathy.

Update Date: 8/14/2007

Updated by: Charles Silberberg, DO, Private Practice specializing in Nephrology, Affiliated with NY Medical College, Division of Nephrology, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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