Prognosis for vesicoureteric reflux

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Abstract
Studies have suggested that reflux nephropathy develops following UTI in very early childhood or infancy.8 New scars have been observed relatively infrequently; however, there are sufficient case reports of new scar formation both on intravenous urography and using 99mTc DMSA scans to accept that at least a proportion of renal scars are acquired following UTI.9 10 The probability that most scars develop in this way cannot be proved because relatively few children have serial imaging studies; in particular, few children have had imaging investigations before the first UTI. The link between UTI, VUR, and renal scarring has been confirmed by several independent groups.4 11 Smellieet al have also demonstrated a link between delay in diagnosis and treatment of UTI and the development of new renal scars.9 12