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Review Article
23 (
2
); 83-97
doi:
10.4103/0971-4065.109403

Revised guidelines on management of antenatal hydronephrosis

, , , , , ,
 Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nephrology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, India
2Department of Pediatric Surgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, India
1Max Institute of Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
3Uppal Radiology Center, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
4Pediatrics, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
Address for correspondence: Dr. Aditi Sinha, Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi - 110 029, India. E-mail: aditisinhaaiims@gmail.com
Copyright: © Indian Journal of Nephrology
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This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Disclaimer:
This article was originally published by Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd and was migrated to Scientific Scholar after the change of Publisher.

Abstract

Widespread antenatal screening has resulted in increased detection of anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract. The present guidelines update the recommendations published in 2000. Antenatal hydronephrosis (ANH) is transient and resolves by the third trimester in almost one-half cases. The presence of oligohydramnios and additional renal or extrarenal anomalies suggests significant pathology. All patients with ANH should undergo postnatal ultrasonography; the intensity of subsequent evaluation depends on anteroposterior diameter (APD) of the renal pelvis and/or Society for Fetal Urology (SFU) grading. Patients with postnatal APD exceeding 10 mm and/or SFU grade 3-4 should be screened for upper or lower urinary tract obstruction and vesicoureteric reflux (VUR). Infants with VUR should receive antibiotic prophylaxis through the first year of life, and their parents counseled regarding the risk of urinary tract infections. The management of patients with pelviureteric junction or vesicoureteric junction obstruction depends on clinical features and results of sequential ultrasonography and radionuclide renography. Surgery is considered in patients with increasing renal pelvic APD and/or an obstructed renogram with differential renal function <35-40% or its subsequent decline. Further studies are necessary to clarify the role of prenatal intervention, frequency of follow-up investigations and indications for surgery in these patients.

Keywords

Pelviureteric junction obstruction
posterior urethral valves
renography
vesicoureteric reflux

Introduction

Ultrasound screening during pregnancy has resulted in increasing recognition of fetal hydronephrosis. Depending on diagnostic criteria and gestation, the prevalence of antenatally detected hydronephrosis (ANH) ranges from 0.6 to 5.4%.[1–6] The condition is bilateral in 17-54% and additional abnormalities are occasionally associated.[7–9] The outcome of ANH depends on the underlying etiology [Table 1].[10] Although ANH resolves by birth or during infancy in 41-88% patients[79–11] urological abnormalities requiring intervention are identified in 4.1-15.4%[6812] and rates of vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) and urinary tract infections (UTI) are several-fold higher.[713] It is important to distinguish infants with significant illness that require long-term follow-up or surgery, from those with transient hydronephrosis and minimum need for invasive investigations.

Table 1 Differential diagnosis of antenatally detected hydronephrosis

Guidelines from the Indian Society of Pediatric Nephrology (ISPN) on management of ANH were published in 2000.[14] During the last decade, there is better understanding regarding its often benign natural history and risk factors for postnatal pathology. Recommendations from other expert groups, including the Society for Fetal Urology (SFU) have been published.[1015] This document revises the ISPN guidelines and has been simultaneously published in the February 2013 issue of the Indian Pediatrics.

Materials and Methods

A literature search of PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library databases from 1990-2011 was performed for research articles on children with ANH. The findings were presented to an invited group of pediatric nephrologists, surgeons and radiologists, and an expert each from fetal medicine and nuclear medicine on 6 January 2012 in New Delhi. Based on the strength and consistency of evidence, the studies were rated from A to D as follows:

  1. Systematic review, well designed randomized controlled trials (RCT) or diagnostic studies without significant limitations

  2. RCT or diagnostic studies with methodological limitations; consistent evidence from observational studies

  3. Small cohorts or case control studies; case series

  4. Expert opinion; case reports

Subsequently, each guideline was assigned one of two levels of recommendation, based on assessment of relative benefit versus harm.

Level 1. Recommendation applicable to most subjects, based on consistent information confirming benefit over harm or vice versa.

Level 2. Suggestion or option based on equivocal or insufficient evidence and with unclear balance of benefit over harm, which may require modification when managing a patient.

The manuscript was circulated to participants of the meeting and to additional experts of the ISPN for approval. Important terms used in this document are described in Textbox 1.[1617] Table 2 lists salient differences between the present and previous recommendations.[14]

Textbox 1 Important definitions
Table 2 Important revisions in the document

Antenatal Evaluation and Monitoring

Guideline 1: Diagnosis and grading of antenatal hydronephrosis

  1. We recommend that ANH be diagnosed and its severity graded based on anteroposterior diameter (APD) of the fetal renal pelvis (1B).

  2. ANH is present if the APD is ≥4 mm in second trimester and ≥7 mm in the third trimester.

While the renal pelvic APD [Figure 1] varies with gestation, maternal hydration and bladder distension, it is an objective parameter with small intraobserver and interobserver variation.[18] ANH is present if fetal renal APD is ≥4 mm in the second trimester and ≥7 mm in third trimester.[10] Hydronephrosis is further graded as mild, moderate, or severe [Table 3]. A cross-sectional study shows that the upper limit for normal renal APD during late gestation is 7 mm.[19] An APD cutoff ≥7 mm at 18-weeks or later distinguishes fetuses with postnatal reflux or obstruction from those without significant pathology.[2021] Renal APD thresholds of 5 mm and 8-10 mm in the second and third trimester, respectively were 100% sensitive in predicting the need for postnatal surgery,[22] compared with a study where third trimester threshold of 10 mm missed 25% cases of pelviureteric junction obstruction and 50% cases of VUR.[1] Others also propose that fetal renal APD greater than 4-5 mm in the second trimester and 7 mm in third trimester is abnormal.[623–25] While lower cut-offs for defining hydronephrosis increase the sensitivity for detecting anomalies, it reduces specificity.

Table 3 Classification of antenatal hydronephrosis, based on renal pelvic anteroposterior diameter[10]
Figure 1
Line diagram to measure fetal renal pelvic anteroposterior diameter. The APD is measured in the transverse axial image of the renal pelvis at level of the renal hilum. Antenatal ultrasound at 38-weeks showing right-sided hydronephrosis in transverse view (+---+): 11.9 mm. Anteroposterior diameter of the kidney (×---×): 28.8 mm

In a systematic analysis on 25 studies, Sidhu et al., showed that isolated ANH resolved or stabilized in 98% patients with APD < 12 mm as compared with 51% with larger APD.[26] In another meta-analysis on 1308 neonates from 17 studies, Lee et al., found that the risk of postnatal pathology increased with the degree of antenatal pelvic dilatation, from 11.9% for mild, 45.1% for moderate, and 88.3% for severe hydronephrosis.[7] The relationship was maintained for patients with pelviureteric junction obstruction or posterior urethral valves, but not for VUR and vesicoureteric junction obstruction. Other studies confirm that the severity of hydronephrosis correlates positively with postnatal hydronephrosis, need for surgery and risk of UTI, and negatively with spontaneous resolution.[5723252728] While fetuses with minimal pelvic dilatation (5-9 mm) have low risk of postnatal pathology,[2930] APD > 15 mm at any gestation represents severe hydronephrosis and requires close follow-up.[7822232531–33]

Guideline 2: Additional prenatal evaluation

  1. If ANH is detected, we recommend that the ultrasound at 16-20 weeks gestation also include evaluation for lower urinary tract obstruction, renal dysplasia, and extrarenal structural malformations (1C).

  2. We recommend that fetuses with ANH, and a major structural anomaly or additional soft sign(s) be referred to an obstetric unit with facilities for genetic counseling and prenatal testing (1C).

All fetuses with ANH should undergo detailed ultrasonography. The two signs that are useful in the diagnosis of lower urinary tract obstruction are oligohydramnios[34] and thick-walled or dilated bladder[35–41] [Table 3]. Other signs that predict postnatal pathology or need for surgery include bilateral hydroureteronephrosis, dilated posterior urethra, perinephric urinoma[4243] and progressive calyceal,[9234144] or ureteric dilatation.[94041] Features suggesting renal dysplasia and impaired renal function include abnormally large or small kidneys, oligohydramnios,[3645–47] parenchymal thinning,[48] cysts,[4950] and increased echogenicity.[34385152]

Antenatal ultrasonography, in conjunction with maternal age and first or second trimester blood screen, helps determine the risk of chromosomal disorders and need for karyotyping.[5354] The likelihood of aneuploidy in fetuses with isolated ANH is low[55–57] and karyotyping is not necessary. The risk of aneuploidy is increased in fetuses with ANH and a major structural anomaly[5859] or with one or more additional soft signs[1653] [Table 4]. Patients with these features require referral to a center with facilities for prenatal diagnosis and counseling. The decision regarding invasive testing is individualized, based on potential benefits and risks, and should occur at an appropriate time.

Table 4 Additional parameters evaluated on antenatal ultrasonography

Guideline 3: Antenatal monitoring

  1. In fetuses with unilateral hydronephrosis, we recommend that at least one follow-up ultrasound be performed in the third trimester (1B).

  2. We suggest that fetuses with bilateral hydronephrosis be monitored frequently (2C). The frequency of monitoring varies from 4 to 6 weeks, depending on gestation at which ANH was detected, its severity and presence of oligohydramnios.

The gestation at which hydronephrosis is detected and its course on sequential ultrasound scans has prognostic value.[213260–62] Almost 80% of fetuses diagnosed in the second trimester show resolution or improvement of findings[62132] with low likelihood of postnatal sequelae.[432] Patients with persistence or worsening hydronephrosis in the third trimester show higher rates of postnatal pathology and require close follow-up.[45621233262] Sairam et al., found that 88% cases with mild ANH resolved in utero or neonatal period, while one in three neonates with moderate to severe hydronephrosis persisting in the third trimester required postnatal surgery.[6] Hence, an ultrasound in the third trimester is valuable for identifying fetuses that require postnatal evaluation and follow-up.

The risk of in utero worsening is higher for bilateral than for unilateral disease.[60] While a recent report suggests that patients with mild to moderate isolated bilateral hydronephrosis have a favorable outcome,[63] close follow-up is necessary since a proportion may show progression or require surgery.[40] Although there are limited studies that address frequency of monitoring,[7] we suggest that fetal imaging be repeated every 4-6 weeks depending on severity of hydronephrosis, gestation and presence of oligohydramnios. Fetuses with findings suggestive of lower urinary tract obstruction (bilateral hydroureteronephrosis, dilated bladder and oligohydramnios) might require even more frequent monitoring.

Guideline 4: Fetal intervention

  1. We suggest that diagnostic and therapeutic interventions be considered for fetuses with suspected lower urinary tract obstruction and oligohydramnios only at specialized centers, following one-to-one counseling (2A).

  2. Termination of pregnancy is not recommended in fetuses with unilateral or bilateral ANH, except in presence of extrarenal life threatening abnormality (1D).

If antenatal ultrasonography shows evidence of lower urinary tract obstruction (e.g., bilateral hydroureteronephrosis, dilated bladder, oligohydramnios), parents should be referred to specialized centers for counseling regarding prenatal diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. The predominant cause for lower urinary tract obstruction is posterior urethral valves in male fetuses. Fetal vesicocentesis, done on two or more occasions, allows estimation of urinary electrolytes, β2 microglobulin, and osmolality that predict renal maturity and function.[64–66] Decreasing levels of sodium (<100 mEq/l), calcium (<8 mg/dl), osmolarity (<200 mOsm/l), β2 microglobulin (<4 mg/l), and protein (<20 mg/dl) identify fetuses that are likely to benefit from therapeutic interventions.[67] In fetuses with suspected lower urinary obstruction and favorable indices, parents should be counseled regarding the role of vesicoamniotic shunting or in utero endoscopic ablation of valves.[106869]

The benefits of such intervention, usually performed during mid-second trimester, are equivocal. Meta-analyses show that prenatal bladder drainage, by vesicoamniotic shunt, improves perinatal survival in fetuses with severe obstruction, with benefits chiefly in those with poor predicted prognosis.[7071] There is no evidence that this intervention improves long term renal outcome or reduces mortality in fetuses with less severe disease.[687273] Moreover, vesicocentesis and other interventions carry considerable risk of fetal loss, chorioamnionitis, and preterm labor. While current evidence is insufficient, ongoing trials shall provide clarity on the efficacy and safety of these procedures.[74]

Pregnancy in fetuses with unilateral or bilateral ANH should proceed to term, except if complicated by severe oligohydramnios or major structural anomalies. Early delivery is not indicated, and carries risks of prematurity and low birth weight.

Postnatal Evaluation and Management

Guideline 5: Timing of initial ultrasound

  1. We recommend that all newborns with history of ANH should have postnatal ultrasound examination within the first week of life (1B).

  2. In neonates with suspected posterior urethral valves, oligohydramnios or severe bilateral hydronephrosis, ultrasonography should be performed within 24-48 h of birth (1C).

  3. In all other cases, the ultrasound should be performed preferably within 3-7 days, or before hospital discharge (1C).

All newborns with a history of ANH, including those in whom it had resolved prenatally, should undergo postnatal evaluation.[1025] Reports suggest that hydronephrosis that has resolved postnatally does not merit prolonged follow-up and has satisfactory outcome.[7576] In a cohort of 130 infants with ANH and normal postnatal ultrasound, followed for 2 years without prophylaxis, the outcome was satisfactory without progression of hydronephrosis or occurrence of UTI.[76] Patients with persistent postnatal hydronephrosis require additional evaluation, the intensity of which is determined by the severity of findings.[15710] A systematic review of 31 studies concluded that the risk of postnatal pathology was 10.8% in infants with a normal postnatal ultrasound, compared to 54.7% in those with persisting hydronephrosis.[11] In another study, the negative predictive value of a normal postnatal ultrasound for UTI was 98.9%.[77] Nepple et al., showed that VUR was twice as likely to resolve in patients with normal postnatal ultrasound compared with those with abnormal findings.[78]

It is emphasized that an ultrasound in the first few days of life underestimates the degree of pelvic dilatation due to dehydration and a relatively low urine output.[7980] Despite this limitation, an early ultrasound, within 24-48 h of birth, is necessary in neonates with suspected lower urinary tract obstruction, oligohydramnios and bilateral severe hydronephrosis or severe hydronephrosis in a solitary kidney.[10] In others, the first ultrasound examination should ideally be delayed until the end of first week. Since there is a risk that a proportion of patients might be lost to follow-up,[81] we propose that neonates with unilateral or mild to moderate bilateral hydronephrosis be screened by ultrasonography prior to hospital discharge.

Guideline 6: Diagnosis and grading of postnatal hydronephrosis

  1. We recommend that assessment of severity of postnatal hydronephrosis be based on the classification proposed by SFU or anteroposterior diameter of the renal pelvis (1B).

  2. We suggest that ultrasonography should include evaluation for calyceal or ureteric dilation, cortical cysts and enhanced renal echogenicity, and bladder wall abnormalities (2D).

Common classifications for diagnosis and grading of postnatal hydronephrosis are those based on measurement of renal pelvic APD[78283] and that proposed by the SFU.[84] The latter assesses renal pelvic fullness, dilatation of major and minor calyces and cortical thickness [Figure 2]. Neonatal hydronephrosis is defined as SFU grade ≥ 1 or renal APD ≥ 7 mm. There are limited studies that have compared SFU and APD based classification systems. A systematic review concluded that 98% patients with SFU grade 1-2 or APD <12 mm resolved, compared with 51% with APD >12 mm or SFU 3-4.[26] A retrospective review showed correlation between APD <10 mm in late third trimester and SFU grade <2 on postnatal ultrasonography.[62]

Figure 2
Postnatal ultrasounds depicting the different grades of hydronephrosis according to the Society of Fetal Urology classification. Grade 1: Slight separation of the central renal echo complex. Grade 2: Renal pelvis is further dilated and a single or a few calyces may be visualized. Grade 3: Renal pelvis is dilated and there are fluid filled calyces throughout the kidney, but renal parenchyma is of normal thickness. Grade 4: As grade 3, but renal parenchyma over the calyces is thinned

Grading the severity of hydronephrosis enables identification of infants that require close follow-up. Multiple studies suggest that mild isolated unilateral or bilateral hydronephrosis with APD <9-11 mm is a frequent finding, which is unlikely to be associated with obstruction and has favorable prognosis.[7316385–89] In a systematic review, Paserotti et al., showed that the risk of postnatal pathology increased progressively from 29.6% with mild postnatal hydronephrosis to 96.3% in severe hydronephrosis.[11] Results of a meta-analysis showed that isolated ANH was five times more likely to stabilize if associated with SFU grade 1-2 or APD <12 mm than with SFU grade 3-4 or APD >12 mm.[26] In a retrospective review, Chertin found that SFU grade 3-4 were associated with high odds for surgery.[90]

Ultrasonography should include evaluation for calyceal or ureteric dilation, cortical cysts and echogenicity, bladder wall abnormalities, ureterocele and bladder emptying.[9192] The presence of calyceal and/or ureteric dilatation has high (87-96%) specificity but low sensitivity (37-54%) for detecting grade III-V VUR.[93] Increased parenchymal echogenicity, loss of corticomedullary differentiation and presence of cortical cysts on postnatal ultrasound predict impaired renal function or dysplasia in patients with pelviureteric obstruction and posterior urethral valves.[94–97]

Guideline 7: Postnatal monitoring

  1. We recommend that neonates with normal ultrasound examination in the first week of life should undergo a repeat study at 4-6 weeks (1C).

  2. We recommend that infants with isolated mild unilateral or bilateral hydronephrosis (APD < 10 mm or SFU grade 1-2) should be followed by sequential ultrasound alone, for resolution or progression of findings (1C).

A single ultrasound in the first week of life might not detect all abnormalities of the kidneys or urinary tract, due to low urine flow secondary to dehydration and low glomerular filtration rate (GFR). An ultrasound at 6 weeks is more sensitive and specific for obstruction, than that in the first week of life.[88] All newborns with a normal ultrasound at first week, therefore, require a repeat study at 4-6 weeks.[10] The presence of two normal postnatal renal ultrasounds excludes presence of significant renal disease including dilating VUR.[2198]

The frequency of subsequent monitoring in patients with persistent postnatal hydronephrosis depends on its severity, and includes evaluation for increasing pelvicalyceal or ureteric dilatation and cortical thinning. A repeat ultrasound may show late worsening or recurrence of hydronephrosis in 1-5% patients.[99100] Since progression might occur in the first 2-years of life, and occasionally until 5-6 years,[101] follow-up studies are scheduled at 3-6 months, and then 6-12 monthly until resolution.[102]

Most patients with mild hydronephrosis (SFU grade 1-2; renal APD < 10 mm) do not have significant obstruction and maintain kidney function on the long-term. The intensity of evaluation for milder grades of hydronephrosis has therefore declined.[103–105] Recent cohorts with unilateral or bilateral hydronephrosis with APD up to 10 mm[106] or 15 mm[63107] have been followed successfully, relying on clinical features, ultrasonography and counseling parents for surveillance for UTI. Hydronephrosis resolves in most such patients during the first 2-years of life, and radiologic investigations or antibiotic prophylaxis is usually not necessary. The policy to follow these neonates with sequential ultrasonography to monitor for resolution of hydronephrosis therefore seems satisfactory.

Various experts propose that infants with renal APD exceeding 10 mm or SFU grade 3-4 at onset require close follow-up.[11016108109] Evaluation of the upper and/or lower urinary tract is limited to these patients and those showing increasing dilatation of renal pelvis, calyces or ureter, or thinning of cortical parenchyma.[9193–96]

Guideline 8: Micturating cystourethrogram

  1. We recommend that a micturating cystourethrogram (MCU) be performed in patients with unilateral or bilateral hydronephrosis with renal pelvic APD > 10 mm, SFU grade 3-4 or ureteric dilatation (1B).

  2. We recommend that MCU be performed early, within 24-72 h of life, in patients with suspected lower urinary tract obstruction (1D). In other cases, the procedure should be done at 4-6 weeks of age.

  3. We recommend MCU for infants with antenatally detected hydronephrosis who develop a urinary tract infection (1C).

Lower urinary tract obstruction (most commonly posterior urethral valves in boys; occasionally bilateral ureteroceles) is an important cause of ANH and requires prompt management. Ultrasonographic findings of posterior urethral valves are: (i) bilateral hydroureteronephrosis, (ii) dilated, thick-walled bladder that fails to empty, and (iii) dilated posterior urethra. Since these patients are at risk for progressive kidney disease and recurrent UTI, an early MCU (within 1-3 days of life) enables prompts intervention.

VUR is present in 8-38% patients with unilateral or bilateral ANH, as compared with < 1% in the general population.[7110111] While there is increased risk of UTI, there is lack of evidence that antibiotic prophylaxis in patients with mild VUR confers clinical benefit.[112] Multiple studies and a systematic review suggest that the severity of ANH does not correlate with the grade of reflux,[725113] and that patients with VUR may have normal postnatal ultrasound.[112393114] However, renal pelvic APD exceeding 10-11 mm is useful in identifying patients with severe VUR.[98115116]

We recommend that MCU be restricted to infants with moderate to severe hydronephrosis (SFU grade 3-4, or renal APD >10 mm), dilated ureter(s), or bladder or urethral abnormalities. Although evidence for timing is lacking, the procedure is performed at 4-6 weeks of age, unless lower urinary tract obstruction is suspected (see above). MCU is also required in patients with history of milder grades of ANH who show worsening hydronephrosis, progressive parenchymal thinning or occurrence of UTI.[117] Physicians should be aware that this investigation is associated with risks of UTI[118] and exposure to radiation.[119]

Guideline 9: Diuretic renography

  1. We recommend that infants with moderate to severe unilateral or bilateral hydronephrosis (SFU grade 3-4, APD >10 mm) who do not show VUR should undergo diuretic renography (1C).

  2. We suggest that infants with hydronephrosis and dilated ureter(s) and no evidence of VUR undergo diuretic renography (2C).

  3. The preferred radiopharmaceuticals are 99mTc-mercaptoacetyltriglycine (99mTc-MAG3), 99mTc-ethylenedicysteine (99mTc-EC) or 99mTc-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) (2D). The differential function is estimated and renogram curve inspected for pattern of drainage.

  4. We suggest that diuretic renography be performed after 6-8 weeks of age (2D). The procedure may be repeated after 3-6 months in infants where ultrasound shows worsening of pelvicalyceal dilatation (2D).

Pelviureteric junction obstruction should be considered in infants with hydronephrosis, where dilating VUR is excluded. The likelihood of detecting obstruction is considerably higher in patients with SFU grade 4 or renal APD exceeding 20-30 mm.[72526] The possibility of vesicoureteric junction obstruction or megaureter is considered in patients with hydronephrosis and dilated ureter where MCU is normal. Patients with VUR and worsening hydronephrosis also require evaluation for pelviureteric junction obstruction, since the two may coexist in 7-18% patients.[120]

Diuretic renography allows differentiation between obstructive and non-obstructive hydronephrosis and estimating relative renal function.[121] Radiopharmaceuticals such as 99mtechnetium mercaptoacetyltriglycine (99mTc-MAG3) or ethylenedicysteine (99mTc-EC) are preferred, since they show greater renal extraction and higher kidney to background ratio compared to diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (99mTc-DTPA).[122–124] However, DTPA is inexpensive and widely available.

Since immaturity of renal function results in reduced radiotracer uptake, renography is done at 6-8 weeks of life but may be performed earlier in patients with severe hydronephrosis and cortical thinning. Textbox 2 lists guidelines for renography.[121125] Intravenous hydration and bladder catheterization are not necessary,[121126127] the latter indicated in patients with poor bladder emptying on late films (neurogenic bladder), severe bilateral reflux or megaureters. A normal renogram curve is characterized by an early peak (2-5 min), rapidly descending phase and almost complete renal emptying by 20 min. Drainage is influenced by state of hydration, and composite and differential kidney function.[121127] The presence of satisfactory drainage spontaneously, or following IV frusemide and micturition excludes significant obstruction. An obstructive pattern is defined by an ascending or plateau phase over 20 min, that fails to empty following diuretic administration and on post-micturition views.[121127] Differential renal function is estimated; values between 45% and 55% are considered normal.[128129] An initial differential function below 35-40% in the kidney with obstructed drainage signifies impaired function.[130] Other features that suggest obstruction include ipsilateral supranormal differential renal function (≥55%)[131132] and prolonged time to clear 50% of the radionuclide (t1/2 > 20 min).[133]

Textbox 2 Renal diuretic scan for patients with antenatal hydronephrosis

Many patients require repeat renography, when change in differential function and drainage pattern is compared.[130] The timing of the repeat procedure is not defined, and varies with patient age, initial renal function and persistence or worsening of ultrasonographic findings. The tracer used for the first renogram and timing of diuretic administration should be similar during serial evaluations.

Guideline 10: Indications for surgery

  1. We recommend that infants with lower urinary tract obstruction be immediately referred to a surgeon for appropriate intervention (1C).

  2. We suggest that surgery be considered in patients with obstructed hydronephrosis, and either reduced differential renal function or its worsening on repeat evaluation (2C).

  3. We suggest that surgery be considered in patients with bilateral hydronephrosis or hydronephrosis in solitary kidney showing worsening dilatation and deterioration of function (2D).

Infants with posterior urethral valves require early urethral catheterization, correction of electrolyte abnormalities, treatment for possible complications and referral for surgical intervention.[134] Cystoscopic ablation of the urethral valves is recommended.[135136]

While most experts suggest that pyeloplasty be considered in patients showing obstructed drainage and differential function below 40%,[137–139] others propose surgery at differential function below 35%,[140] or an obstructed renogram with prolonged t1/2 > 20 min.[141]

Conservative management is appropriate for infants with an obstructive pattern on diuretic renography and differential function exceeding 40%.[90] Serial ultrasonography is recommended[10142] and repeat renography done if there is persistent or progressive hydronephrosis or parenchymal thinning.[143144] A reduction of differential renal function by more than 5-10% correlates with declining renal function, and the need for pyeloplasty.[130145] Other indications for surgery include presence of pain, palpable renal lump or recurrent febrile UTI.[117] The presence of large APD exceeding 20-30 mm predicts the need for surgery in 50-55% patients.[139146–148] Surgery allows preservation of renal function in the majority; predictors of unsatisfactory outcome include baseline differential function <30%[149] and renal APD >50 mm with dilated calyces.[148]

Few reports describe the management of neonates with bilateral severe hydronephrosis secondary to pelviureteric junction obstruction. While in unilateral hydronephrosis, the affected kidney is compared with normal, in bilateral hydronephrosis the function of both kidneys is potentially at risk. Careful follow-up with serial ultrasonography and radionuclide studies for worsening hydronephrosis and declining differential function and estimated GFR is recommended. While case series underscore the need for early intervention,[150] patients with mild to moderate hydronephrosis have successfully been managed conservatively.[151] Most surgeons prefer to operate first on the kidney that is more severely affected.[152153]

Guideline 11: Antibiotic prophylaxis

  1. We recommend that parents of all infants with antenatal or postnatal hydronephrosis be counseled regarding the risk of urinary tract infections and need for prompt management (1B).

  2. We recommend that infants with postnatally confirmed moderate or severe hydronephrosis (SFU 3-4; renal APD > 10 mm) or dilated ureter receive antibiotic prophylaxis while awaiting evaluation (1C).

  3. We recommend that all patients detected to have VUR receive antibiotic prophylaxis through the first year of life (1B).

Infants with ANH, including where hydronephrosis has resolved postnatally, have an increased risk of UTI.[7154] Walsh et al., retrospectively estimated that the relative risk of developing pyelonephritis in these infants was 11.8 (95% confidence interval 6.8-20.5).[13] The rates of UTI have varied, based on severity of hydronephrosis, duration of follow-up and antibiotic use. Infections were reported in 1.6-7.2% infants with ANH administered antibiotic prophylaxis[889154] and 3.9-10% of those not receiving prophylaxis.[376398154] In patients with isolated hydronephrosis (postnatal renal pelvic APD 5-15 mm) followed without prophylaxis, the frequency of UTI was similar in patients with bilateral (9%) or unilateral (10%) disease.[63] Parents should be counseled regarding the increased risk of UTI, and the need for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Coelho et al., reported that infants with postnatal renal pelvic APD of 10 mm or more have significantly increased risk of infections (relative risk 2.6, 95% confidence interval 1.2-5.8) compared with those with mild hydronephrosis.[106] Other studies have confirmed this finding[851155] and suggest that most UTI occur within the first 6 months of life.[156] While a significant proportion of infections occur in the context of underlying VUR, other risk factors include ureteric dilatation[155156] and underlying obstruction.[155157] In a recent meta-analysis including 3876 infants, it was demonstrated that neonates with high grade hydronephrosis receiving antibiotic prophylaxis have a significantly lower rate of UTI when compared to untreated neonates (14.6% versus 28.9%; P <0.01), while the rates of UTI were low for neonates with low grade hydronephrosis, regardless of status of antibiotic prophylaxis (2.2% on prophylaxis versus 2.8% without).[158] Thus, only 7 patients with high-grade hydronephrosis are required to be treated with antibiotic prophylaxis in order to prevent one UTI.

Patients with moderate or severe hydronephrosis and/or dilated ureter should receive antibiotic prophylaxis while awaiting investigations. Since the risk of UTI is low with mild hydronephrosis, antibiotic prophylaxis is not necessary in these infants.[863]

The efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis in preventing UTI in patients with VUR has been questioned.[159–161] While awaiting results of further studies, the ISPN currently recommends that infants with VUR should receive antibiotic prophylaxis, the duration determined by the grade of reflux and occurrence of breakthrough infections.[162] The American Urological Association also recommends that antibiotic prophylaxis be given to infants with VUR grade III-V that is identified through screening.[104] They further suggest that, although evidence is limited, infants with lower grades of VUR (grade I-II) may also receive prophylaxis. In view of difficulties of detecting UTI in infancy and risks of renal scarring,[163] we recommend antibiotic prophylaxis for all infants with VUR detected through screening. Antibiotics that are preferred include cephalexin (10 mg/kg/d) during the first 3 months of life, and cotrimoxazole (1-2 mg/kg/d) or nitrofurantoin (1 mg/kg/d) later.

In absence of prospective controlled studies, there is variability in practice regarding use of antibiotics in children with moderate to severe obstructive hydronephrosis.[164] The rates of UTI were 0-4.3% in studies on patients with severe hydronephrosis due to pelviureteric junction obstruction or megaureter, managed without prophylaxis.[165166] Madden et al., showed that the rates of UTI were similar at 14% and 16% in infants followed with or without prophylaxis, respectively.[138] Other studies show that 19-36.2% of patients with moderate or severe obstructive hydronephrosis have UTI.[157158] Further studies are necessary to determine the benefit of antibiotic prophylaxis in patients with obstructive hydronephrosis.

Risk of radiation exposure

Radiocontrast and radionuclide studies are associated with considerable risk of radiation exposure. The exposure following these studies is several-fold higher than a chest radiograph.[167–169] Recent findings from a large cohort of patients undergoing repeated CT scans show that cumulative doses of 50-60 mGy (equivalent to 50-60 mSv of X-ray radiation) were associated with 3-fold increased risk of leukemia and brain cancer.[170] Physicians should be aware of the risks associated with these investigations [Table 5].[121169171172] Repeat radionuclide and radiocontrast studies should be done only if these are likely to provide clinically relevant information that cannot be obtained by ultrasonography. Intravenous urography should not be used as an alternative to radionuclide scans. Magnetic resonance urography provides useful information, but is not freely available, requires sedation, and is associated with risks in patients with impaired renal function.

Table 5 Dose exposure associated with radiographic procedures

Conclusions

Figures 3 and 4 summarize the guidelines for management of patients with ANH. While a significant proportion have transient hydronephrosis that resolves in utero or postnatally, neonates with persistent hydronephrosis require follow-up. All neonates with hydronephrosis should undergo urinalysis, measurement of blood pressure, and estimation of serum creatinine. Infants with moderate to severe hydronephrosis are screened for urinary tract obstruction or VUR. The initial evaluation aims to detect patients with bladder obstruction, which requires prompt intervention. Decisions regarding surgical intervention, in other patients with obstructive hydronephrosis, depend on a combination of clinical and laboratory features, and results of sequential ultrasonography and diuretic renography.

Figure 3
Prenatal monitoring in patients with antenatally detected hydronephrosis. All fetuses with ANH should undergo at least one ultrasound in third trimester, and its severity is graded according to renal pelvic anteroposterior diameter [Table 3]. Fetuses with bilateral hydronephrosis need monitoring through pregnancy, the frequency of which depends on severity of findings and presence of oligohydramnios. Those with oligohydramnios or other systemic abnormalities should be referred to specialized centers. While all newborns with antenatally detected hydronephrosis should undergo ultrasonography in the first week of life, those with suspected bladder obstruction should undergo postnatal ultrasonography within 48 hr of birth
Figure 4
Postnatal evaluation in patients with antenatal hydronephrosis. A postnatal ultrasound is recommended at 3-7 days except in suspected lower urinary tract obstruction, where it is done earlier. Postnatal hydronephrosis is classified using Society of Fetal Urology grade or renal pelvic anteroposterior diameter (APD). Infants with normal findings should undergo a repeat study at 4-6 weeks. Patients with isolated mild hydronephrosis (unilateral or bilateral) should be followed with sequential ultrasounds, at 3- and 6-months, followed by 6-12 monthly until resolution; those with worsening hydronephrosis require closer evaluation. Patients with higher grades of hydronephrosis or dilated ureter (s) are screened for underlying obstruction or VUR. Diuretic renography is useful in detecting pelviureteric junction or vesicoureteric junction obstruction and determining the need for surgery. *Parents of infants with hydronephrosis should be counseled regarding the risk of urinary tract infections

Writing Committee

Aditi Sinha, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi; Arvind Bagga, Department of Pediatrics, AIIMS, New Delhi; Anurag Krishna, Max Institute of Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery, New Delhi; Minu Bajpai, Department of Pediatric Surgery, AIIMS, New Delhi; M Srinivas, Department of Pediatric Surgery, AIIMS, New Delhi; Rajesh Uppal, Uppal Radiology Center, New Delhi; Indira Agarwal, Department of Pediatrics, Christian Medical College, Vellore

Expert Group

Kamran Afzal, Aligarh

Indira Agarwal, Vellore

Vinay Agarwal, New Delhi

Uma S. Ali, Mumbai

Kanav Anand, New Delhi

Sanjeev Bagai, New Delhi

Arvind Bagga, New Delhi, Convener

Meenu Bajpai, New Delhi

Sushmita Banerjee, Kolkata

Tathagata Bose, Ahmedabad

Deepika Deka, New Delhi

Arpana Iyengar, Bangalore

Ashima Gulati, New Delhi

Sanjeev Gulati, New Delhi

Arun Kumar Gupta, New Delhi

Pankaj Hari, New Delhi

Anurag Krishna, New Delhi

Manish Kumar, New Delhi

Rakesh Kumar, New Delhi

Madhuri Kanitkar, New Delhi

Mukta Mantan, New Delhi

Amarjeet Mehta, Jaipur

BR Nammalwar, Chennai

Saroj K Patnaik, Bangalore

PK Pruthi, New Delhi

Kishore Phadke, Bangalore

B Rath, New Delhi

Abhijeet Saha, New Delhi

Ashu Bhalla Seith, New Delhi

Sidharth Sethi, New Delhi

Jyoti Sharma, Pune

Aditi Sinha, New Delhi

Rajiv Sinha, Kolkata

Shalini Sinha, New Delhi

M. Srinivas, New Delhi

Rajendra Nath Srivastava, New Delhi

Rajesh Uppal, New Delhi

Susan Uthup, Thiruvananthapuram

Anand S. Vasudev, New Delhi

Anil Vasudevan, Bangalore

M Vijayakumar, Chennai

Amarjeet Mehta, Jaipur

Acknowledgment

We thank Dr. Paul Winyard, Head of Nephro-Urology Unit, UCL Institute of Child Health, London (UK) for reviewing the manuscript.

Source of Support: Nil

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

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