Imaging and clinical findings in late presenting posterior urethral valves in a resource-constrained economy

Abstract

Posterior Urethral Valve (PUV) is the commonest cause of lower urinary tract obstruction in male children. Late presentation with delayed diagnosis is common in our setting. This study aims to review the clinical, biochemical, imaging findings and parental factors in late-presenting posterior urethral valves. A retrospective analysis of patients with PUVs seen at UNTH from 2011-2019 was done. Patients who presented at or later than six months of age were considered late presenters and were studied. Patients’ sociodemographic characteristics, antenatal diagnosis, clinical features, and imaging findings at presentation were retrieved. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 22. Statistical significance was set at a p-value<0.05. Twenty-four cases of PUV with complete clinical data were studied. Mean age 3.3 (SD±2.1) years had a positive association with maternal educational level (p≤0.001). Nineteen (72.9%) had antenatal care, 4 (16.7%) had prenatal Ultrasonography (USS), and were part of those who had antenatal care. None had a prenatal diagnosis. Prenatal USS was associated with higher paternal education (p=0.03). The most common clinical symptom and finding respectively were straining to pass urine 23 (95.8%) and palpable bladder 23 (95.8%). The common electrolyte derangements included hyperkalemia (50%), raised serum urea (70.8%) while postnatal hydronephrosis 23 (95.8%) was the main ultrasound and MCUG findings. Late presentation is common with urinary dysfunction and azotemia. Improved antenatal care including late trimester ultrasound and parental health education will enhance prenatal diagnosis and early presentation.