Unravelling the genetics of vesicoureteric reflux: A common familial disorder

Abstract

Primary vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) is one of the more common genetic disorders. Little is yet known about the genetics of this potentially manageable childhood condition, which is characterised by regurgitation of urine from the bladder to the kidney. The VUR phenotype is associated with shortness of the submucosal segment of the ureter due to congenital lateral ectopia of the ureteric orifice. VUR is found in 30-50% of infants and young children with a urinary tract infection. A serious concern in families with an affected patient is that approximately one half of siblings or offspring will be affected, but up to a half of these affected siblings and offspring may be asymptomatic in childh..