End-Stage Reflux Nephropathy

Forty-two of 371 patients (11.3%) entering a dialysis-transplant program had end-stage reflux nephropathy. Thirteen of these 371 patients were under 16 years of age, with 6 of them having reflux nephropathy. Most patients presented with severely impaired renal function, hypertension, and proteinuria. Documented urinary tract infections occurred in only 4 of the 18 male and 14 of the 24 female patients. Thirty-five patients had hypertension, which in 22 had not been detected before presentation. Five presented with accelerated hypertension. Eight of the 24 women presented during a pregnancy. Twenty-nine patients are still alive, 20 with a functioning renal transplant. Reflux nephropathy is an important cause of end-stage renal failure, particularly in younger people. All patients presenting with renal insufficiency and proteinuria, with or without urinary tract infections or hypertension, should have reflux nephropathy excluded.