VUR grade 5

Understanding VUR grade 5 and its treatment options

What is VUR grade 5?

Grade 5 VUR is the most severe form of VUR. Similar to grade 4, except the ureter is also twisted and curved. The renal pelvis is also enlarged, and its normal structural details are no longer detectable.

The likelihood of spontaneous resolution varies according to a child’s age, grade of VUR, and whether the VUR is on one ureter or both. 

 

More severe grades of reflux are associated with lower rates of spontaneous resolution and a higher incidence of renal scarring.1

 

VUR treatment options

There are basically four ways your child’s pediatric urologist or doctor may decide to treat your child, depending on the severity of your child’s VUR. The higher the grade, the more likely that treatment is needed. VUR treatment options are dependent on the grade but vary from watchful waiting, antibiotics, endoscopic treatment with Deflux, or surgery.2

Deflux is indicated for the treatment of children with VUR grades 2-4.  

References:
  1. Baskin LS, Kogan BA, Stock JA. Handbook of Pediatric Urology Third Edition. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; 2019.
  2. Peters CA, Skoog SJ, Arant BS Jr, et al. Summary of the AUA guideline on management of primary vesicoureteral reflux in children. J Urol. 2010;184(3):1134-1144.
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