Uroepithelial thickening improves detection of vesicoureteral reflux in infants with prenatal hydronephrosis.

Summary Introduction Postnatal evaluation of prenatal hydronephrosis (PNH) often includes a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) for VUR assessment. Despite limited supporting data, VCUG is currently recommended if postnatal renal and bladder ultrasound (RBUS) reveals moderate/severe hydronephrosis (HN) or hydroureter (HU). Recent studies have shown VUR is more accurately diagnosed by using certain sonographic findings as criteria for obtaining VCUG. Uroepithelial thickening (UET) of the renal pelvis is a finding associated with high-grade vesicoureteral reflux (HGVUR); however, the clinical significance of UET with PNH has not been studied. Objective We sought to determine if the presence of UET implies increased risk for VUR, and to investigate whether UET can improve the test characteristics of RBUS for VUR. Study design We retrospectively analyzed postnatal RBUS and VCUG findings in infants ≤30 days undergoing evaluation for “prenatal hydronephrosis” over an 11-year period. We used logistic regression to identify factors associated with VUR. Test characteristics of RBUS for HGVUR were compared based on the presence of UET and two criteria sets to define abnormal RBUS. Criteria set 1 consisted of HN SFU grade 3–4 and/or HU; criteria set 2 was defined by the presence of two of following: UET, HU, duplication, and/or renal dysmorphia. Results Of 135 patients, 39 (29%) had VUR, of whom 16 (41%) had HGVUR. UET was significantly associated with VUR ( p Table ). Discussion Consistent with previous studies, HN alone on postnatal RBUS has little value in predicting the presence or severity of VUR. This study is the largest known series to evaluate UET in the setting of PNH, and our results demonstrate that UET, as well as HU, duplication and renal dysmorphia, are independent sonographic findings predicting HGVUR. Using our proposed criteria, the probability of HGVUR is fourfold more than the prevalence described in the literature, and importantly, when compared to the criteria recommended by the SFU and AUA, would have resulted in 53% fewer VCUGs while missing zero cases of HGVUR. Conclusion In infants with PNH, the sonographic findings of UET, HU, duplication and renal dysmorphia independently indicate greater risk of HGVUR, and the sensitivity and specificity of RBUS for HGVUR is markedly improved when at least two of the four are present. Table . RBUS findings predicting HGVUR and test characteristics of RBUS for HGVUR. High-grade VUR Multivariable analysis OR 95% CI p Uroepithelial thickening 54.45 4.97–597.0 0.001 Hydroureter 5.35 1.24–22.99 0.024 Duplication 10.78 2.21–52.57 0.003 Renal dysmorphia 14.23 2.17–94.37 0.006 Presence of VUR Absence of VUR Total Criteria 1 a Positive RBUS 24 57 81 Negative RBUS 15 39 54 Totals 39 96 135 Criteria 2 b Positive RBUS 21 17 38 Negative RBUS 18 79 97 Totals 39 96 135 Test characteristics of RBUS for HGVUR Criteria 1 Criteria 2 UET Sensitivity 88% 100% 94% Specificity 44% 82% 57% PPV 17% 42% 23% NPV 96% 100% 99% LR+ 1.57 5.41 2.19 LR– 0.27 0 0.11 OR (95% CI) 5.43 (1.18–24.97) 143.00 (8.27–2473.74) 20.00 (2.56–156.38) a Criteria 1: presence of HN SFU grade 3–4 or HU. b Criteria 2: presence of at least two of the following: UET, HU, duplication, renal dysmorphia.