The Relationship between Vesicoureteral Reflux and Urinary Stones in Children Presenting with Urinary Tract Infections
Maryam Sadat Mohsenzadeh, Mitra Naseri, Niayesh Tafazoli, Nooshin Tafazoli, Sayed Ali AlamdaranAbstract
Background:
Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) can contribute to the formation of urinary stones. This study aims to assess the relationship between VUR and nephrolithiasis, as well as the correlation between the presence and grade of VUR with the formation and size of urinary stones.
Methods:
A retrospective and cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2003 to December 2016. Children diagnosed with urinary tract infections (UTIs) were enrolled if they underwent both kidney-bladder ultrasound and voiding cystourethrography. The study examined the presence of stones in kidney-ureter units (KUUs) with and without VUR and assessed the relationship between the grades of VUR and both stone formation and size. Patients with anatomical urinary tract obstructions were excluded from the study.
Results:
A total of 898 patients were enrolled. The frequencies of VUR, nephrolithiasis, and both VUR and nephrolithiasis were found to be 46.65%, 13.8%, and 5.7%, respectively. Three cases were excluded due to anatomical urinary tract obstructions. Of the 48 enrolled cases, 62.5% were female. Unilateral VUR was reported in 43.75% of the patients. Nephrolithiasis was identified in 68% refluxing KUUs and 57.2% of nonrefluxing units (
Conclusion:
The study indicates that neither the presence of VUR nor it grading significantly influences stone formation in patients with UTIs. Other factors beyond urinary stasis due to VUR may be responsible for stone formation.