BACKGROUND: Multiple studies document a correlation between anorectal malformations (ARMs) and vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), development of urinary tract infections (UTIs), and subsequent renal disease.
We aimed to determine which patient characteristics are associated with VUR and UTI in this population.
METHODS: A retrospective review of ARM patients at a free-standing children's hospital from January 1996 to December 2011 was performed. Logistic regression was used to investigate the associations between VUR and UTI and ARM classification and co-morbid diagnoses.
RESULTS: Of 190 patients, 41 (31%) received a diagnosis of VUR. Thirty-one of the 190 patients had at least one febrile UTI (16%). Of these, only 16 (51%) had a diagnosis of VUR. On multivariable logistic regression, the only patient variable associated with VUR was having an ectopic kidney (p=0.026). Similarly, the presence of GU malformations was the closest variable associated with developing a UTI (p=0.073).
CONCLUSIONS: In ARM patients, VUR as well as UTIs are associated with the presence of GU malformations. Thus, voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) testing should be pursued when there are other caudal and GU abnormalities, regardless of fistula location. Antibiotic prophylaxis for UTI should be considered in children with ARM and any GU malformation, not only VUR.
Written by:
Sanchez S, Ricca R, Joyner B, Waldhausen JH. Are you the author?
Seattle Children's Hospital University of Washington School of Medicine.
Reference: J Pediatr Surg. 2014 Jan;49(1):91-4; discussion 94.
doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2013.09.031
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 24439588
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