Causes and treatment of renal pelvis dilatation in fetus

Renal dilatation in the fetus is the most common abnormality in prenatal ultrasound diagnosis. Most cases of renal dilatation in the fetus are not dangerous, just regular visits to monitor during 40 weeks of pregnancy.

Fetal pyelonephritis, also known as unilateral or bilateral hydronephrosis, occurs in about 1% of fetuses (female fetuses are more male than female). Ultrasound of the anterior and posterior diameters of the fetal renal pelvis and depending on the gestational age to diagnose dilatation of the renal pelvis.
Between 15-20 weeks: ≥ 4mm. Between 20-30 weeks: ≥ 5mm. Over 30 weeks: ≥ 7mm. With a pregnancy of more than 20 weeks, the anteroposterior diameter of the renal pelvis ≥ 10mm is called hydronephrosis, then it is necessary to investigate whether the renal calyces are dilated or not.

Dilatation of the renal pelvis can occur at any time of pregnancy. There are many causes of renal pelvis dilatation in the fetus, but most of them have no specific cause. Some common causes are:
Physiological renal dilatation: this is a transient condition at the time of ultrasound. Most cases of physiological renal dilatation are detected from the fetal period. The dilation will not increase or gradually improve over time, possibly up to a few years after the baby is born; Renal dilatation due to ureteral obstruction; Urethral obstruction; Renal - double ureter; Polycystic kidney ; Bladder-ureteral reflux.

Renal dilatation in the fetus is not a very dangerous condition. Most cases are diagnosed with pyelonephritis, pregnant women can be monitored every 2-4 weeks during pregnancy for further evaluation. There are quite a few cases where it returns to normal after a few weeks.
There are some cases that stay the same and few cases get worse. About 10-60% of pyelonephritis will regress in utero, meaning there is still a situation where the fetus will return to normal after birth. If dilatation of the renal pelvis is too severe (causing hydronephrosis grade 3), there is a risk of affecting renal function on the dilated side. The remaining kidney is still functioning normally, it does not significantly affect the general health of the baby.

Most cases of mild renal dilatation, fetal ultrasound without abnormalities are physiological renal dilation and only need to be closely monitored according to the doctor's antenatal care schedule and do not need any intervention for the fetus. In this case, after birth, it is necessary to report the baby's renal dilatation to a specialist, if necessary, other tests can be done: imaging of the urinary system, blood tests to assess kidney function after birth.. ..
However, in a small number of cases, fetal pyelonephritis is a urinary abnormality that falls within the general spectrum of genetic and chromosomal abnormalities, including Down syndrome. To assess the risk, it is necessary to have information about family history, obstetric history, previous ultrasounds, current ultrasound results...
To best protect the health of mother and fetus throughout During pregnancy, you should use comprehensive maternity services at a reputable medical facility to detect and handle abnormalities that may occur during pregnancy.
At Vinmec International General Hospital, there is a package maternity service as a solution to help pregnant women feel secure, because of the companionship of the medical team throughout the pregnancy. When choosing Maternity Package, pregnant women can:
The pregnancy process is monitored by a team of highly qualified doctors Regular check-ups, early detection of abnormalities The package pregnancy helps to facilitate Convenience for the birthing process Newborns receive comprehensive care To register for examination and treatment at Vinmec International General Hospital, you can contact the nationwide Vinmec Health System Hotline, or register Check online HERE.