Part 2: Examining pediatric vesicoureteral reflux: a real- world evaluation of treatment patterns and outcomes

ABSTRACTObjective: Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) occurs in 1% of infants and children. Upon diagnosis, patients are often placed on prophylactic antibiotics to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and potential renal damage. The objective of this study was to assess current diagnosis and treatment patterns for patients diagnosed with VUR, focusing on compliance with antibiotic therapy and the occurrence of UTIs.Methods: This is a retrospective study of children less than 11 years of age diagnosed with VUR. Data were obtained from a national managed care database with over 45 million lives. Patients were followed for up to 6 months prior to their diagnosis and 1 year after. All were required to be eligible for medical and pharmacy services for 1 year after diagnosis. Outcome measures included the use of and compliance with prophylactic antibiotics, rates of curative treatment (surgery and endoscopic injections), and diagnoses of UTIs.Results: There were 35 450 patients meeting inclusion criteria. After be...