Management of prenatal hydronephrosis

Abstract

An abnormality involving the genitourinary tract is detected in 1 in 50 to 1 in 100 pregnancies, depending on the sonographic criteria. The goal of management is to recognize and treat congenital anomalies that may adversely affect renal function or cause urinary infection or sepsis. Most structural abnormalities of the urinary tract are characterized by hydronephrosis, which generally is assumed to be obstructive. However, hydronephrosis is not often caused by obstruction; examples include vesicoureteral reflux, multicystic kidney, and certain abnormalities of the ureteropelvic and ureterovesical junction. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.