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Pedia Flash 2019 › Pedia Flash Vol-5, No-1, 2019

Prevention of Recurrent UTI in Children Secondary to Vesicoureteral Reflux: Nitrofurantoin for Prophylaxis

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a condition in which urine flows retrograde, or backward, from the bladder into the ureters/ kidneys (Figure 1). Primary VUR refers to a congenital condition caused by an abnormal development or dysfunction of the ureterovesical junction (UVJ).1 The intravesical ureter may not be long enough to enable the ureter to sufficiently act as a valve to prevent urine reflux or the ureter may be inserted abnormally into the bladder.2 Abnormalities in bladder muscle, or location and morphology of the urethral opening may also contribute to primary VUR.3 On the other hand, secondary VUR is an acquired condition that occurs as a result of increased intravesical pressure, in conditions like anatomical or neurological bladder outflow obstruction. This form may lead to compression or obstruction of the UVJ.