Associated anomalies and clinical outcome in children with ectopic kidney

Abstract

Urological anomalies can be seen in children with renal ectopia (RE) and can result in renal impairment. Therefore, we evaluated associated anomalies and renal outcome in our patients with RE. Sixty-eight children who were diagnosed with RE between January 2009–May 2014 were retrospectively studied. A total of 68 patients, 36 (52.9%) boys, with a median age of 67 months (4–201) and a median follow-up period of 14 months (3–113) were included in the study. Simple RE (S-RE) was found in 51 (75%) patients, of which 46 were unilateral and five were bilateral (discoid kidney). Crossed RE (C-RE) was detected in 17 (25%) patients. Voiding cystourethrogram was performed in 21/51 (41.2%) patients in S-RE group and 5/17 (29.4%) in C-RE group. We did not find vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in any of the patients with C-RE, whereas, in S-RE group, VUR was demonstrated in six (6/21 - 28.6%) patients. Pelviureteric junction obstruction in ectopic kidney was found in two patients with S-RE and one with C-RE. Two patients (2/17 - 11.7%) had neurogenic bladder due to meningomyelocele, accompanied by imperforate anus in C-RE group. There were no significant differences in other associated urological anomalies between two groups. Renal impairment developed mostly in patients with additional urinary anomaly. The children with RE may have associated urinary anomalies, of which VUR is the most common. Complete urological investigation and regular follow-up are required in selected cases.