Correlation of prenatal renal pelvic anteroposterior diameter with outcome in infancy.

PURPOSE

We attempted to correlate prenatal renal pelvic anteroposterior diameter with outcome in infancy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between May 1992 and March 1994 we identified 27 cases of fetal hydronephrosis in which renal pelvic anteroposterior diameter was 4 mm. or greater before 33 weeks of gestation and 7 mm. or greater at or after 33 weeks of gestation.

RESULTS

Hydronephrosis was bilateral in 18 fetuses and unilateral in 9. Shortly after birth radiological assessment revealed vesicoureteral reflux in 6 neonates, ureteropelvic junction obstruction in 6, extrarenal pelves in 3 and persistent nonobstructive hydronephrosis in 4. Radiological evaluation was normal in 8 newborns.

CONCLUSIONS

When these screening criteria for hydronephrosis are met prenatally a complete radiological assessment should be done following birth.