Long-term effects of bacteriuria on the urinary tract in schoolgirls.

In order to examine the effects of bacteriuria on renal growth and scarring, 208 schoolgirls aged 5 to 12 years, in whom bacteriuria was detected during a screening program, were followed for 4 years. Of these, 110 were treated. Excretory urography and micturating cystography were performed at the start and end of the study period. Remission of ureteric reflux was equally common in both treated and untreated children. Renal scarring progressed in 12, and diminution in renal growth without scarring occurred in 9 others; treatment did not affect either of these events. A significant association existed between reflux and scarring. No new scars developed in previously unscarred kidneys. Difficulties in assessing normal renal growth and progression of scarring are discussed.