Ultrasound screening for renal and urinary tract anomalies in healthy infants

Abstract

Ultrasonograpy was effective for early detection of renal and urinary tract anomalies. Ultrasound screening in early infancy may permit early treatment, that can prevent renal dysfunction.

Outcome and management of isolated moderate renal pelvis dilatation detected at postnatal screening

“…For diagnostic purposes, it has been demonstrated that prenatal sonography is less sensitive than postnatal sonography [6,7], but to date only few studies have reported neonatal screening [2][3][4][5]. To the best of our knowledge, no study has explored the natural course of RPD detected during postnatal screening.…”

“…The most common abnormality found in pre-or postnatal sonographic screening for congenital kidney and urinary tract anomalies (CAKUT) is collecting system dilatation, which may involve the renal pelvis (RPD) and/or the ureter [1][2][3][4][5][6]. The exact clinical significance that can be attributed to isolated (without calyceal involvement) RPD is still controversial.…”

Ultrasound mass screening for congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract

“…Data summarized from a questionnaire sent to the members of The Study Group of Ultrasonographic Screening for Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract in Japan indicated that the screening cost per child would be ¥1,200 ($US15), and 3 potential dialysis patients would be found per 55,000 children. If dialysis in these 3 patients could be delayed for 3.7 years, screening would pay for itself [24]. We have estimated that ultrasound screening for CAKUT in Salento costs €15 ($US20) per child.…”

Outcome and management of isolated severe renal pelvis dilatation detected at postnatal screening

“…To the best of our knowledge, only a few studies [3][4][5][6] have explored the natural course of RPD detected during postnatal screening. In order to assess the clinical impact of isolated severe RPD and define the medical intervention required, we have performed a prospective study in which we determined the incidence of isolated RPD and its natural course during the first year of life, without prophylactic antibiotic therapy (PAT) in a cohort of 2-month-old healthy infants who were screened by US for congenital kidney and urinary tract anomalies (CAKUT).…”

“…Collecting system dilatation of the renal pelvis and/or of the ureter are the most common abnormal findings in the urinary tract (1-5%) on prenatal/postnatal screening with ultrasound (US) [1][2][3][4][5][6][7].…”