I am writing about vesicoureteral reflux or VUR because this is something personal that my family went through a long time ago. My First-born son was diagnosed with VUR when he was two years old. It was a congenital condition and we only got to learn about it after his recurring fever and urinary tract infections. I also read today in a Facebook Mom’s Group I am in about a mom whose baby has the same diagnosis. I shared my experience so I might as well share it here in my blog so it could help moms who might be facing the same anxiety.
What is vesicoureteral reflux or VUR?
VUR is a condition in which urine flows backward from the bladder to one or both ureters and sometimes to the kidneys. VUR is most common in infants and young children although most children don’t have long-term problems from VUR.
Normally, urine flows down the urinary tract, from the kidneys, through the ureters, to the bladder. With VUR, some urine will flow back up—or reflux—through one or both ureters and may reach the kidneys. – source
I have never heard of Vesicoureteral Reflux before nor have I known of any child diagnosed with this condition so learning about VUR consumed my nights and days. I always learned something new each time I opened a link from the articles I read.
VUR is an anatomical condition that could be diagnosed as early as pregnancy – through ultrasound. I was 21 weeks pregnant with my second son when my first son was diagnosed. So, I immediately went to check with my Obgyne for an ultrasound diagnosis. My baby was fine, he said. But he added, it was too early to tell. In some cases, VUR is diagnosed through ultrasound. In other cases, VUR is diagnosed immediately after birth. Others are diagnosed when the child is between 1 – 3 years old. For others, VUR is diagnosed when the kidney has been damaged. But when an older child has VUR, the younger sibling is likely to have one, too. Luckily, my second son didn’t have it.
Danger of VUR
I’ve read that VUR itself is not dangerous. It becomes dangerous when the urine becomes infected some of which goes back to the kidney. That is why, when a child has VUR it is important to prevent urinary tract infection (UTI). In most cases though, VUR is diagnosed after a child has a UTI. In my son’s case, the recurring UTI was alarming and that was how we got to know my son’s condition. Other pediatricians make it a point to conduct follow-up tests for children diagnosed with UTI. In some cases, children undergo ultrasonograms to check their kidneys. If scars are seen, children are referred to the corresponding specialists.
A nephrologist can discuss about the kidney scars present. He may recommend further tests depending on his assessments. A DMSA (dimercatosucconic acid) scan may be necessary to further check on the scars on the kidney. To check if a child has VUR, the doctor may recommend a VCUG (voiding cystourethrogram) test. The VCUG is an X-ray procedure where the radiologist will watch and monitor while the bladder fills up to see if any liquid goes back into one or both ureters.
My son had to undergo all these procedures when he was 2 years old.
Grade Level of the VUR
The importance of the VCUG lies in the determination of the grade of the VUR. There are 5 grades, the least severe of which is Grade 1. Needless to say, the most severe is Grade 5. For Grades 1 – 3, the VUR may spontaneously correct itself as the child matures. However, the child would need to take low-dose antibiotics daily to prevent infection until the VUR is corrected. This may take 12 months to 18 months or even more of the daily intake of low-dose antibiotics. The frequency (more aptly, the prevention) of the infection is very vital to the condition of the kidney. Ultimately, it is the kidney that is being protected here. For those who have Grades 4 – 5, it is unlikely that the VUR will correct on its own.
Surgery for VUR
My son had a scar on his kidney by the time we learned about the condition. His left and right ureters had high grades already. It was Grade 4 and 5 so the only option left for us was to do surgery.
A surgical procedure for a very young child is not something every parent wants to face. My son was only two years old then. Luckily, we were living in Seoul at that time. Laparoscopic surgery was already available there so that meant minimal invasion and faster recovery. It was also a relief that the national health insurance covered most of his hospitalization and surgery.
I am glad those days were over. But when I read today about a mom whose baby was diagnosed with Vesicoureteral reflux, I vividly remember those days of anxiety. I hope no one has to go through this. But if you do, have the strength and the faith to keep on.
I hope this blog helps. Send me a message if you need to ask more questions. I understand how it feels and I may be able to share what I know about it. And, who knows, you will feel lighter knowing that someone else knows how you feel especially, that not many know about this congenital condition. I am available on Facebook Messenger or Instagram or you can message me here at wendyflor.
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This is such an interesting topic , Ms.wend about VUR ,ngayon ko lang alam tungkol Dito at Salamat Sa Pagbabahagi Nito
As a mom din, may Dagdag kaalaman Ako Nito
Very informative thank you for sharing Ms. Wendy about dito sa vesicoureteral reflux first time ko marinig yung about dito po and siguro ganun din sa iba. Big help nha po ito sa iba nakaka experience din ng ganito sakit.
This is so helpful, I learned something. Luckily, my children did not have this. I can’t even begin to imagine the anxiety people go through if they found out a loved one has this.