Outcome of children with multicystic dysplastic kidney: Does involved side matter?

Background

Multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) is a common anomaly detected on antenatal ultrasound. We aimed to assess the profile of children with MCDK and to investigate whether the involved side has any effect on outcome.

Methods

Thirty-nine patients with MCDK and 20 controls were enrolled. Patients who estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values over 90 mL/min/1.73 m² were compared with controls. Comparison was made between the involved sides.

Results

MKDB was right-sided in 20 (51.3%) and left-sided in 19 (48.7%) patients. 33.3% had additional urinary tract abnormality, 10.2% had systemic abnormality. 82% showed contralateral kidney enlargement. 48.7% involuted, 17.9% underwent nephrectomy. 35.8% suffered from urinary tract infection (UTI). 5.1% had renal scarring (RS). 30% developed microalbuminuria. 12.8% complicated with hypertension. 17.9% progressed to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Hypertension was independent risk factor for developing CKD. Blood pressure, cystatin C and urine microalbumin/creatinine levels were increased, and eGFR values were decreased in patients compared to controls. No significant difference was found between the two sides for rates of involution, UTI, RS, nephrectomy, and additional abnormality. Cystatin C levels were higher on the right than left sides (p = .033).

Conclusion

Children with MCDK predispose to renal deterioration even at normal eGFR values. Although cystatin C levels tended to increase in right-sided patients, the involved side seemed to have no significant effect on renal outcome. Hypertension was main determinant for progression to CKD in MCDK.