Congenital Anomalies of the Kidneys and Urinary Tract

Abstract

Congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract encompass the spectrum of disorders that include the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. These abnormalities often lead to altered renal size and location, dysplastic changes in the kidney parenchyma, and anomalies in the collecting system. Though the etiology of each of these conditions can be variable, it is known that the collection of these defects represent 40% to 50% of all pediatric end-stage renal disease worldwide. The multifaceted management of these conditions is aimed at preserving kidney function and ultimately delaying the need for transplantation. With the advancement of prenatal ultrasonographic techniques, these conditions are more likely to be diagnosed before birth, which often leads to rapid postnatal intervention and better outcomes.