Vesicoureteral reflux

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's weight loss doctor NYC
Philadelphia GLP-1 weight loss and GLP-1 clinic NYC

Vesicoureteral reflux
Synonyms	VUR
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Urinary tract infection, hydronephrosis, kidney damage
Complications	Chronic kidney disease, hypertension
Onset	Usually in infancy or childhood
Duration	Can be chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Congenital abnormalities, bladder dysfunction
Risks	Family history, recurrent urinary tract infections
Diagnosis	Voiding cystourethrogram, ultrasound
Differential diagnosis	Urinary tract infection, ureterocele, posterior urethral valves
Prevention	Early detection and treatment of urinary tract infections
Treatment	Antibiotics, surgery
Medication	Prophylactic antibiotics
Prognosis	Good with treatment, risk of kidney damage if untreated
Frequency	Affects 1-2% of children
Deaths	N/A

Diagram illustrating vesicoureteral reflux

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), also known as vesicoureteric reflux, is a medical condition in which urine flows retrograde, or backward, from the bladder into the ureters/kidneys.

Symptoms

The symptoms of VUR can vary greatly depending on the severity of the condition. Some people may have no symptoms at all, while others may experience frequent urinary tract infections, pain during urination, and kidney damage. In severe cases, VUR can lead to kidney failure.

Causes

VUR is usually caused by a defect in the urinary system that allows urine to flow backward into the ureters. This can be due to a congenital defect, or it can be acquired later in life due to other medical conditions or surgeries.

Diagnosis

VUR is typically diagnosed through a series of tests, including a urinalysis, a kidney ultrasound, and a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG). These tests can help determine the severity of the condition and the best course of treatment.

Treatment

Treatment for VUR can vary depending on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, treatment may simply involve monitoring the condition and treating any urinary tract infections that occur. In more severe cases, surgery may be required to correct the defect in the urinary system.

See also

• Urinary system
• Urinary tract infection
• Kidney failure
• Voiding cystourethrogram