Universal Screening of Siblings for Vesicoureteral Reflux?

In a hypothetical model, universal screening of siblings with VUR was costly and associated with greater radiation exposure.

Siblings of children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) have increased risk for VUR. Investigators developed a decision-analysis model based on published data to examine the effects of cystographic screening for two groups: all siblings without symptoms of VUR (universal screening) and only siblings who developed symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI). VUR screening included voiding cystourethrogram, renal ultrasound, antibiotic prophylaxis for siblings with VUR, and annual repeat studies until VUR resolved. Outcomes were based on a hypothetical cohort of 100,000 siblings at age 1 year.

Universal screening resulted in a 50% reduction in the expected number of initial UTIs compared with symptomatic evaluation. If antibiotic prophylaxis is …

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

Universal Screening of Siblings for Vesicoureteral Reflux?

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Reviewing Author