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Pediatrics Common Questions, Quick Answers

VUR (Vesicoureteral Reflux)

Donna D'Alessandro, M.D.
Lindsay Huth, B.A.
Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed
Creation Date: February 2002
Last Revision Date: April 2002

• What is VUR?
• What causes it?
• Who can get it?
• What are the signs and symptoms?
• Is VUR contagious?
• How is it treated?
• How long does it last?
• Can it be prevented?
• When should I call the doctor?

What is VUR?

• VUR stands for Vesicoureteral Reflux.
• It is a problem of the urinary tract (system that rids the body of urine).
• The ureters are the tubes that take urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
• "Reflux" means "backward flow."
• VUR is when urine flows backward from the bladder into the ureters instead of through the bladder and out the body.
• Children are born with this condition.

  

What causes it?

• In children with VUR, the tubes that connect to the bladder don't work right.
• The tubes may be too short or the openings may not shut right.
• Some cases of VUR are caused by high pressure in the bladder.

Who can get it?

• VUR tends to run in families.
• Children with VUR are likely to have brothers or sisters with VUR. (1 out of 3 of his brothers or sisters is likely to have it.)
• If a child has VUR, his brothers and sisters should also be tested for it.

What are the signs and symptoms?

• VUR can be mild, moderate, or severe.
• The most common sign of VUR is a urinary tract infection. This is because there is often bacteria in urine. If the urine is not released from the body, the bacteria can cause an infection.
• If your child has a urinary tract infection (UTI), he may need to be tested for VUR.
• The doctor should take a test, called a VCUG (voiding cystourethrogram), to see if the child has VUR.
• Infections from VUR can scar the kidney and lead to kidney failure.

Is VUR contagious?

• No. VUR is not contagious.

How is it treated?

• Many children outgrow VUR but still may need treatment.
• The doctor should take tests at least once a year to see if the VUR has gone away.
• Treatment also can be used to decrease high pressure in the bladder.
• Children with severe VUR may need surgery to prevent kidney damage.
• Surgery is a little different for each child, depending on the child's body and his kind of VUR. Your doctor should know which surgery is best.
• Surgery for VUR is very successful in correcting the problem.
• If your child needs surgery, ask your doctor what to expect. It usually involves a 2 or 3 day stay at the hospital.

How long does it last?

• Children who do not outgrow VUR in a few years may need surgery to correct the problem.

Can it be prevented?

• VUR can't be prevented, but most infections that result from VUR can be prevented.
• Antibiotics are often used to prevent infection.
• Children with VUR should take antibiotics daily.
• Children should have regular tests to make sure there is not a "silent" infection, or an infection that doesn't show symptoms.
• Some children may need surgery to prevent kidney damage.

When should I call the doctor?

• Call the doctor if your child has symptoms of a urinary tract infection.
• Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns.

Quick Answers

• VUR is when urine flows backward from the bladder into the ureters instead of through the bladder and out the body.
• In children with VUR, the tubes that connect to the bladder don't work right.
• If a child has VUR, his brothers and sisters should also be tested for it.
• The most common sign of VUR is a urinary tract infection.
• VUR is not contagious.
• Antibiotics are often used to prevent infection. Some children may need surgery.
• Call the doctor if your child has symptoms of a urinary tract infection.

References

• Cooper CS. Information about Vesicoureteral Reflux. Virtual Children's Hospital. 2000 May (cited 2002 January 29). Available from: URL: http://www.vh.org/Patients/IHB/Uro/Peds/RefluxureteralReimplant.html
• Texas Pediatric Surgical Associates. Vesicoureteral Reflux. (cited 2002 January 29). Available from: URL: http://www.pedisurg.com/PtEduc/Vesicoureteral_Reflux.htm
• University of Chicago. Vesicoureteral Reflux. (cited 2002 January 29). Available from: URL: http://www.ucch.org/sections/urology/infosource/reflux.html

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