Original Article
Journal of Perinatology (2009) 29, 382–387; doi:10.1038/jp.2008.239; published online 5 February 2009
Postnatal follow-up of antenatal hydronephrosis: a health-care challenge
L Cordero1, C A Nankervis1, R W Oshaughnessy2, S A Koff3 and P J Giannone1
- 1Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- 3Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
Correspondence: Dr L Cordero, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University Medical Center, N118 Doan Hall, 410 W. 10th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210-1228, USA. E-mail: leandro.cordero@osumc.edu
Received 24 August 2008; Revised 15 October 2008; Accepted 2 December 2008; Published online 5 February 2009.
Abstract
Objective:
To examine our experience with ANH and to determine the success of our postnatal follow-up program.
Study Design:
Charts of mothers and infants seen (2004 to 2008) at our Regional Perinatal Center were reviewed retrospectively. ANH was defined during the third trimester by anterior pelvic diameters as follows: mild 7 to 9, moderate 10 to 14 or severe 
15 mm. Fetuses with multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) were included.
Result:
Screening of approximately 15 000 ultrasound (US) reports identified 268 fetuses with ANH. After prenatal US surveillance, 88 (33%) fetuses had resolved, while 180 (67%) required postnatal follow-up. These 180 fetuses were diagnosed with mild 38 (21%), moderate 83 (46%) and severe 19 (11%) ANH, uni or bilateral hydroureters 12 (7%), MCDK 19 (10%) and miscellaneous 9 (5%). Postnatal follow-up was successfully established for 75% of infants with hydroureters, 68% for those with MCDK and for 37% of infants with mild, 53% with moderate and 58% with severe ANH. Factors commonly known to influence compliance were not found more frequently among the 91 infants who were lost to follow-up. The only positive predictor for postnatal follow-up was a prenatal consultation with the pediatric urologist.
Conclusion:
Our antepartum program for diagnosis of ANH is accessible and efficient; however, there was an unacceptably high number of infants lost to follow-up. The absence of traditional barriers for compliance highlights the need to explore new ways of improving postnatal follow-up of infants with ANH.
Keywords:
antenatal, hydronephrosis, follow-up
MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS
These links to content published by NPG are automatically generated
REVIEWS
Renal tract malformations: perspectives for nephrologists
Nature Clinical Practice Nephrology Review (01 Jun 2008)
Renal tract malformations: perspectives for nephrologists
Nature Clinical Practice Nephrology Review (01 Jun 2008)
RESEARCH
Post-mortem examination of prenatally diagnosed fatal renal malformation
Journal of Perinatology Original Article
Fetal Hydrocolpos Leading to Pierre Robin Sequence: An Unreported Effect of Oligohydramnios Sequence
Journal of Perinatology Correspondence
A molecular and genetic view of human renal and urinary tract malformations
Kidney International Original Article
