ANTIBIOTIC PROPHYLAXIS IN CHILDREN WITH VESICOURETHERAL REFLUX

Key words: Vesicouretheral reflux, Reflux nephropathy, Antibiotic prophylaxis, Urinary tract infection, Chronic renal insufficiency

Vesicouretheral reflux (VUR) is the most frequent congenital anomaly of the urinary tract and reflux nephropathy is the most common cause of chronic renal insufficiency in children and young people. There is consensus on conservative treatment (antibiotic prophylaxis) of VUR, but we still lack conclusive evidence of its efficacy in preventing reflux nephropathy. Moreover, recent studies stress the importance of VUR-associated renal dysplasia as the main cause of chronic renal insufficiency. This should prompt a thorough re-evaluation of this topic.