[Reflux nephropathy within first year of life. Studies of its clinical features and kidney scar-formation according to treatment modalities].

Clinical data of 106 patients (177 renal units) with vesicoureteral reflux diagnosed within first year of life were reviewed to clarify its clinical feature and reflux nephropathy. 1) 82.1% (87/106) of them were boy, 83.1% (147/177) of renal units had high grade reflux (VUR grade III or more). These findings suggested that some of them were Fetal Vesicoureteral Reflux. 2) At presentation, 57.1% (101/177) of renal units showed renal parenchymal scars and 18.9% (20/106) of cases had renal dysfunction (s-Cr > or = 0.6 mg/dl). Renal dysplasia or hypoplasia was found in rather high incidence of 8.5% (15/177) suggested that normal fetal nephrogenesis is also disturbed in early infants having VUR. 3) The patients having multiple renal scarring bilaterally had significant impaired both tubular and glomerular function, showing reflux nephropathy. 4) During more than 2 years follow-up on 102 renal units, totally 29 of them (28.4%) showed new scar-formation and/or scar-advancement. Among the kidneys more than grade III reflux and undergone antireflux surgery, those with delayed surgery had the incidence of new scar-formation and/or scar-progression as high as 48.6% (18/37). On the other hand, in those with immediate surgery, the incidence was much lower of 14.3% (5/35). In addition, the incidence in case of non-surgery was 38.5% (5/13). Indication or timing of antireflux surgery for infants is still controversial however, the above results suggest that early antireflux surgery which aimed to eliminate reflux and risk of upper urinary tract deterioration from infantile immatured kidney is more beneficial in order to prevent progression of renal scarring and attain normal renal development.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)