Tests for my Unborn Baby /

Antenatal Renal Pelvic Dilatation: Swollen Kidney Tubes

01 In Brief

In 1-2 per cent of babies, the area where urine is formed in the kidney,(known as the renal pelvis) and/or the tube that drains urine from the kidney to the bladder (known as the ureter) is dilated. This is detected on the 18-20 week antenatal ultrasound and serial measurements are used to determine the progress of the condition. In most cases this is a normal variation of development and resolves in late pregnancy or shortly after birth. When the dilation does not resolve this may indicate that the tube is blocked or there is reflux of urine up the tube from the bladder. Early detection and treatment is necessary to prevent kidney damage.

02 What Others Say

  •  Monash Ultrasound for Women

Fetal Renal Dilatation

  • South Devon Healthcare NHS fact sheet

Information about Dilated Renal Pelvis

  • Intermountain Healthcare fact sheet for patients and families

Prenatal Hydronephrosis

03 I Want To Know More

UCSF Paediatric Urolgy handout for parents

Hydronephrosis : prenatal diagnosis

 

04 Clinicians Tools and Resources

•  VicNets Neonatal Handbook

Fetal Hydronephrosis

•  RPA care of the newborn guidelines: go to Resources> Guidelines> agree to terms and conditions> 

Follow up of Antenatal Renal Anomalies

The information published here has been reviewed by Flourish Paediatrics and represents the available published literature at the time of review.
The information is not intended to take the place of medical advice.
Please seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
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Last updated: 29/06/2011 by Dr Elizabeth Hallam/Claire Galea*