SHORT TERM STUDY ON CLINICAL RELEVANCE AND OUTCOMES OF FOETAL HYDRONEPHROSIS

Background. Hydronephrosis is the most common urinary tract pathology detected on antenatal screening by Ultrasound. The detection of fetal hydronephrosis by ultrasound pres­ents a treatment dilemma to the treating surgeon and parental anxiety. Objective. This study aims to examine the role of serial ultrasounds in antenatally detected fetal hydronephrosis to know the disease progression, and to assess indications and timing of surgery in these patients to preserve renal function. Methods. This is an observational study of 30 cases of foetal hydronephrosis conducted at a tertiary care paediatric surgery centre. A foetal renal pelvic Antero-posterior diameter (APD) >7 mm at 32 weeks of gestation is considered to indicate Foetal hydronephrosis. These patients are followed up for a period of two years from 2018 to 2020. Progression of disease and need for surgical intervention is noted. Results. The study comprised 30 cases of antenatal foetal hydronephrosis (42 renal units). Of 26 renal units with mild hydronephrosis, all are resolved in the post-natal period. Of 10 renal units with moderate hydronephrosis, 3 (30%) resolved and 7 (70%) worsened and required surgical intervention. Of 6 renal units with severe hydronephrosis, all required surgical intervention and underwent surgery between 12 to 18 months of age. Conclusions. These results suggest a grading system with antero-posterior diameter of renal pelvis distinguishes those cases with moderate and severe degrees of hydronephrosis that are at higher risk of surgery.