Pediatric obstructive uropathy

What is pediatric obstructive uropathy?

When the flow of urine is blocked in the bladder, ureter or urethra, it is called obstructive uropathy. Normally, your child’s urine flows from the kidneys to the bladder through the ureter. Obstructive uropathy causes the urine to reflux, or flow backward, into the kidneys. This condition can happen in a child of any age and can even affect an unborn child in their mother’s womb.

Obstructive uropathy can affect one or both of your child’s kidneys and symptoms may occur suddenly, or happen gradually over time. When urine backs up into the kidneys, it can lead to hydronephrosis (swelling in the kidneys) and damage to the kidneys.

What are the signs and symptoms of pediatric obstructive uropathy?

The symptoms of obstructive uropathy in children may include:

• Blood in urine (hematuria)

• Decreased urine output

• Feeling as if the bladder is never empty

• Fever

• Frequent urination

• Nausea or vomiting 

• Pain in the side and back (near kidneys)

• Swelling of hands, feet, arms and legs (edema)

• Weak or slow urine stream

During pregnancy, lower than normal levels of amniotic fluid may be a sign of obstructive uropathy in the unborn child.

What are the causes of pediatric obstructive uropathy?

Obstructive uropathy may be caused by:

• Bladder stones

• Blood clots

• Cancer (especially bladder, cervical, uterine and colon cancer)

• Enlarged prostate gland

• Kidney stones 

• Medicines used to control bladder function

• Nerve problems in the bladder

• Nervous system disorders

• Pelvic injury

• Problems with the digestive tract

• Scar tissue inside or outside the ureters