Downgrading of high-grade vesicoureteral reflux is a reliable option in the treatment of children with grade IV‒V reflux accompanied by breakthrough infections

Modified unilateral periureteral injection technique in the treatment of patients with high-grade vesicoureteral reflux: A study of primary findings

Objective

Although endoscopic treatment has been used by many pediatric urologists for the treatment of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), it has no considerable success in high-grade VUR. We aimed to describe the primary outcomes of unilateral periureteral injection technique (PIT), as well as bilateral PIT in high-grade VUR.

Methods

In this prospective study, we examined 92 ureters in 45 boys and 40 girls from February 2010 to May 2018. Bilateral PIT and unilateral PIT were applied in 67 and 25 refluxing units, respectively. In the unilateral PIT, the subureteral injection site was only at the 5- or 7-o'clock position. However, in the bilateral PIT, the subureteral injection sites were at 5- and 7-o'clock position. Pre- and post-operative reflux grades were evaluated by voiding cystourethrography 6 months after surgery.

Results

Seven patients had bilateral reflux. Overall, 75 (81.5%) ureters showed Grade IV VUR, while 17 (18.5%) had primary Grade V VUR. The mean age of the subjects was 39.2 months. In unilateral PIT ureters, VUR was resolved in 23 (92.0%) refluxing units. It was downgraded to Grade III in one ureter (4.0%) and to Grade II in another ureter (4.0%). In addition, in bilateral PIT cases, VUR was resolved in 60 (89.6%) ureters; it downgraded to Grades II and III in 3 (4.5%) and 4 (6.0%) refluxing units, respectively.

Conclusion

Unilateral PIT can be highly effective in the treatment of selected ureters of high-grade VUR. However, further studies are needed to confirm our results.

The Swedish infant high-grade reflux trial: Study presentation and vesicoureteral reflux outcome

INTRODUCTION

High-grade vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in infants is associated with congenital renal abnormalities, recurrent UTI, and bladder dysfunction. Endoscopic treatment (ET) is a well-established method in children with low to moderate reflux grades, but there is a lack of randomised controlled trials regarding the use of ET versus continuous antibiotic prophylaxis in infants with high-grade VUR.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine whether high-grade VUR in infants can be treated with endoscopic injection and whether ET is superior to antibiotic prophylaxis in the treatment of VUR.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective, randomised, controlled, multicentre, 1-year follow-up trial comprised 77 infants (55 boys, 22 girls) <8 months of age with VUR grade 4-5 (n = 30/n = 47). Of the infants, 52 (68%) had bilateral VUR. Thirty-nine were randomised to antibiotic prophylaxis and 38 to ET (with prophylaxis until resolution). Voiding cystourethrogram, ultrasound, renal scintigraphy, and free voiding observation were performed at study entry and after 1 year to evaluate VUR grade, and renal and bladder function.

RESULTS

VUR grade ≤2 was seen in 22 (59%) infants in the endoscopy group and eight (21%) in the prophylaxis group at follow-up (p = 0.0014). The success rate in the endoscopy group was 100% in unilateral grade 4, falling to 31% in bilateral grade 5 (p = 0.0094). Correspondingly, the results in the prophylaxis group were 40% in grade 4 down to 0% in bilateral grade 5 (p = 0.037) (Table). Logistic regression analyses identified ET, VUR grade 4, unilaterality, and low residual urine at baseline as positive predictors of VUR down-grading to ≤2 (area under ROC curve 0.88). In four patients with reflux resolution after one injection, dilating reflux recurred at the 1-year follow-up. One patient had a UTI possibly related to ET. In our material four patients required re-implantation, of whom one was obstructive after injection.

DISCUSSION

The opportunity to offer even small infants with high-grade VUR an alternative, minimally invasive treatment option is a great advance in paediatric urology. In this high-risk group, bilateral VUR grade 5 stands out with its poor bladder function and low chance of resolution. The recurrence rate of dilating VUR after successful ET is consistent with previous studies. The limitations are the relatively small number of patients and the short follow-up.

CONCLUSION

High-grade VUR in infants can be treated with injection therapy and the resolution rate is higher than that of prophylaxis treatment. The complication rate is low and VUR grade 4, unilaterality, and low residual urine are favourable for the resolution and down-grading of VUR.

High success rate with new modified endoscopic treatment for high-grade VUR: A pilot study with preliminary report

PURPOSE

Despite the benefits of the minimally invasive endoscopic treatment for vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) it has a major drawback which is low success rate in high grade VUR. For overcoming this problem, we introduce a new modified technique of endoscopic treatment called periureteral injection technique (PIT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a prospective study a total of 37 ureters in 19 boys and 14 girls were treated, including 3 bilateral cases. Of 37 units, 30 (81.1%) had grade IV and 7 (18.9%) had grade V primary VUR (18 right, 13 left and 3 bilateral units). Subureteral injection of Vantris(®) was done at the 5-o'clock and 7-o'clock positions in which the direction of injecting needles were almost parallel. Pre- and post-operative evaluation included urinalysis, urinary tract ultrasonography, voiding cystourethrography (VCUG), dimercaptosuccinic acid scan and urodynamic studies.

RESULTS

The median age was 38 months (range 8-125). At 6 months follow up period confirmed with VCUG, the VUR has been disappeared in 34 (91.8%) units and 3 units [2 (5.4%) grade II and 1 (2.7%) had grade III)] had downgraded VUR. Complications included early fever due to urinary tract infection in 1 children, transient dysuria in 2 patients and low back pain in one patient (Summary Table).

CONCLUSION

The success rate of PIT for treatment of high grade VUR is high. However, further studies with more patients and longer follow up periods are needed to draw final conclusion.

Relevance of current guidelines in the management of VUR

In recent years, there have been fundamental changes in the understanding of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). This is reflected by current international guidelines that cover diagnosis, screening, and treatment of VUR. However, literature is still lacking and many questions are unsolved. In this article, we shortly review the important aspects of the current guidelines. Due to the lack of high-powered randomized controlled trials, guidelines often are based on an expert's opinion rather than evidence. In this review article, we address the controversies in the management of VUR; siblings and children with antenatally diagnosed hydronephrosis and the management of a patient with VUR.

CONCLUSION

With an individualized approach and patient risk stratification, the goal today must be to address the clinical problem, avoid unnecessary tests, and provide good quality of life for the patient and parents.