Hydronephrosis (Pediatric)

Overview

Hydronephrosis in children is swelling of the kidney caused by a blockage in urine drainage, often detected on a prenatal ultrasound or in early infancy before any symptoms appear.

Symptoms

●Often no symptoms — detected on prenatal or routine ultrasound

●Urinary tract infection as a presenting sign

●Abdominal mass or discomfort in more significant cases

●Poor feeding or irritability in infants with infection

Causes

A congenital narrowing at the kidney-ureter junction, vesicoureteral reflux, or other structural urinary tract anomalies are the most common causes.

Risk Factors

Congenital urinary tract anomalies — The most common underlying cause.

Family history — Raises the likelihood of a structural cause.

Male gender — Congenital hydronephrosis is somewhat more common in boys.

Diagnosis

Ultrasound is the primary diagnostic tool; a renogram or VCUG may follow to determine the cause and severity.

Complications If Untreated

A significant, untreated blockage can lead to a gradual loss of kidney function over time.

Treatment Options

Pyeloplasty

See Details →

Prevention Tips

There is no prevention for congenital cases; regular follow-up imaging is used to monitor known cases, many of which improve on their own.

Lifestyle Advice

Attending all scheduled follow-up scans is the most important step, since many mild cases resolve with monitoring alone.