Hydronephrosis Symptoms in Babies

Hydronephrosis is the dilation, or stretching, of the kidneys that can cause urinary system blockages and other problems. It is generally a treatable and not serious condition, although in some cases, it can be quite problematic. Hydronephrosis can occur in people of any age, including infants. Most children who are diagnosed with hydronephrosis are born with it, but some babies develop it after birth.

Causes

• Hydronephrosis has several different causes, such as a defect, obstruction or damage to the one-way valve that controls urine flow, which could cause urine backflow, or blockage of the urinary system, such as a kidney stone or a kink in the ureter. Some babies are also born with other sorts of anomalies that cause the problem.

Symptoms

• Some children have no noticeable symptoms of hydronephrosis, depending on the source of hydronephrosis and how severe it is. Some symptoms are pain, bleeding and infections, swelling in the abdomen, pain while urinating, and a reduction in the rate of urination.

Tests and Diagnosis

• If an infant is suspected to have hydronephrosis, several tests can be performed by a pediatric urologist to confirm this diagnosis. One is a simple ultrasound, which will examine the child’s bladder and kidneys. Another test, called a "voiding cystourethrogram," may be ordered if further investigation is necessary. During this test, a tube is inserted into the baby’s urethra, and dye is injected so the urologist can track how urine is moving in the system. A third test, called a "renal scan," may also be done to determine how well the kidney is functioning.

Treatment

• Treatment for hydronephrosis depends on the specific issue causing the hydronephrosis. If the condition is mild, most children and infants will be monitored only for infections and other issues, and the problem will often correct itself over time. If the condition is more severe, it is often corrected with surgery.

Prenatal Hydronephrosis

• Many cases of hydronephrosis are discovered by ultrasound before a baby is born. The ultrasound technician might spot one of several kinds of abnormalities while performing a routine checkup. This is one of the most common anomalies found during an ultrasound, but fortunately half of the babies suspected to have hydronephrosis while in utero are born without it.