Medical aspects of uropathic malformations

Although considered to be surgical conditions, uropathic malformations present important medical implications which may sometimes dominate the clinical picture. This article discusses the most frequently found, and the most serious, medical problems. For example, surgical correction in the infant may lead to a series of metabolic complications connected with the uropathic malformation and renal immaturity. Urinary tract infections are very frequent, to the extent that treatment against infection has become an integral part of treatment for reflux. Lastly, hypertension, chronic renal insufficiency and the dialysis and transplant programme are the final and most serious consequences of certain uropathies. Good management of urological patients cannot ignore these medical problems.