ORIGINAL ARTICLES   

Minerva Pediatrica 2011 December;63(6):439-43

Copyright © 2011 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Clinical course of grade I-III megaureters detected on prenatal ultrasound

Zampieri N. ^{1, 2}, Zamboni C. ³, Camoglio F. S. ² ✉

¹ Department of Anesthetic and Surgical Sciences, Policlinico G.B. Rossi, University of Verona, Verona, Italy; ² Department of Pediatrics, Orlandi General Hospital, Verona, Italy; ³ Ultrasound Unit, Division of Prenatal Diagnosis, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Civile Maggiore Hospital, Verona, Italy

AIM:Primary obstructive megaureter has always been considered a developmental defect. The aim of this study was evaluate the clinical course of grade I-III megaureter at a single Institution through a longitudinal observational study.
METHODS: Between April 2004 and April 2006 35 cases of megaureter were observed prenatally. Inclusion criteria were created. Conservative treatment was used for all patients and its efficacy was assessed with routine laboratory tests, ultrasounds and renal scintigraphy. Follow-up was at least three years for all patients.
RESULTS: Twenty patients were considered for the study. Single or relapsing infections (36% of patients had more than three urinary tract infections during follow-up) did not seem absolute indications for surgical treatment in these patients, although they are currently the first indication for surgery.
CONCLUSION: Clinical results of the study showed that conservative treatment is an effective treatment option. Single or relapsing infections are not a clear indication for surgery. Long-term follow-up for these patients is mandatory.