Research Progress on Risk Factors or Prediction Models for Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction in Children.

Abstract

Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO), characterised by prenatal or postnatal renal pelvis dilation, represents the primary cause of congenital paediatric hydronephrosis. UPJO may lead to impaired renal function in paediatric patients. Its pathogenesis includes genetic predisposition and anatomical abnormalities. While spontaneous resolution may occur in some infants, progressive hydronephrosis can lead to renal impairment without intervention. The assessment of the degree of hydronephrosis, renal dysfunction and surgical indications in paediatric patients before surgery is beneficial for providing doctors with surgical decisions. Pyeloplasty remains the gold-standard surgical intervention. Surgical approach selection, such as minimally invasive or open surgery and drainage method during surgery, directly affects outcomes. Many factors can affect postoperative complications and reoperation. Postoperative prognostic evaluation and renal function prediction remain key clinical focuses. Long-term follow-up data can provide significant clinical value. The application of neural network prediction models in this field still needs to be explored. This review aims to explore the update progress on risk prediction models of UPJO for children mainly over the past decade. We analysed various risk factors before, during and after surgery, intending to construct risk prediction models that cover the entire disease cycle in diagnosis and treatment. This review could provide a practical basis for surgeons to make clinical decisions.