Effect of Unilateral Vesicoureteric Reflux on Renal Growth and the Uptake of ^99mTc DMSA by the Kidney. An Experimental Study in the Minipig

Abstract

The influence of unilateral vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) on renal growth and the uptake of 99mTc DMSA by the kidney has been investigated in a 2-kidney model in the growing minipig over a period of approximately 5 months. Animals with reflux in association with low voiding pressures and normal bladder function (n = 5), as well as those with raised voiding pressures and abnormal bladder function (n = 7), were investigated with appropriate non-refluxing controls (n = 12). Urinary infection and renal scarring were avoided since these factors may affect kidney function and growth independently. Statistical tests of difference failed to demonstrate any effect of VUR on renal growth or renal uptake of 99mTc DMSA even in the presence of elevated voiding pressures and abnormal detrusor function.

A model of sterile vesicoureteric reflux in the sheep

“…There was no significant difference in the kidney weights between the refluxing and non-refluxing sides in this study. These results concur with those of previous authors [18,19] using a pig model, and confirmed that sterile refluxing urine had no influence on renal growth.…”

Long-Term Follow-Up of Children with Surgically Treated Vesicorenal Reflux: Renal Growth

“…This was recently supported in an experimental study [7]. After operative or with conservative reflux therapy, determi nation of further renal growth can be used as an indica tion of success, one of the most accurate means of deter mining renal growth being the measurement of paren chymal area [8][9][10].…”