Abstract
Background
The entity called renal dysplasia is considered to be a frequent cause of chronic kidney disease in children. Formally, the entity is defined by histological parameters. In current nephrology practice, however, the appearance of kidneys on ultrasound scanning is often used as a basis for the diagnosis.
Methods
The European Society for Paediatric Nephrology Working Group on Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract hypothesised that the current diagnostic approach with regard to renal dysplasia was not homogeneous. Accordingly, we here report the results of a survey targeting pediatric nephrologists with 12 questions regarding their perceptions of the ultrasonographic characteristics of renal dysplasia and further tests that they might undertake.
Results
Of almost 1200 physicians who successfully received the invitation, 248 from 54 countries completed the survey. There was a notable lack of homogeneity regarding the ultrasonographic diagnosis of renal dysplasia and also of follow up tests, including genetic testing and further radiology.
Conclusions
Based on the responses to this large survey, a picture emerges of nephrologist’s current clinical practise with a focus on renal dysplasia. The Working Group consider that these results serve as an important sounding board that can inform more definitive recommendations regarding the challenges to clinical diagnosis and diagnostic follow-up of the this important entity.
The entity called renal dysplasia is considered to be a frequent cause of chronic kidney disease in children. Formally, the entity is defined by histological parameters. In current nephrology practice, however, the appearance of kidneys on ultrasound scanning is often used as a basis for the diagnosis.
Methods
The European Society for Paediatric Nephrology Working Group on Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract hypothesised that the current diagnostic approach with regard to renal dysplasia was not homogeneous. Accordingly, we here report the results of a survey targeting pediatric nephrologists with 12 questions regarding their perceptions of the ultrasonographic characteristics of renal dysplasia and further tests that they might undertake.
Results
Of almost 1200 physicians who successfully received the invitation, 248 from 54 countries completed the survey. There was a notable lack of homogeneity regarding the ultrasonographic diagnosis of renal dysplasia and also of follow up tests, including genetic testing and further radiology.
Conclusions
Based on the responses to this large survey, a picture emerges of nephrologist’s current clinical practise with a focus on renal dysplasia. The Working Group consider that these results serve as an important sounding board that can inform more definitive recommendations regarding the challenges to clinical diagnosis and diagnostic follow-up of the this important entity.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Journal of Nephrology |
| Early online date | 24 Jun 2017 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2017 |