Renal function in adult women with urinary tract infection in childhood

The risk of deterioration of renal function in patients with urinary tract infection (UTI)-associated renal damage over several decades is incompletely known but of importance in regard to follow-up. A population-based cohort of women followed from their first UTI in childhood was studied at median age of 27 years and now at 41 years. Renal damage was evaluated by Tc-99m-dimercaptosuccinic acid scan and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by Cr-51-edetic acid clearance. Extent of individual kidney damage was graded as class 1 to 3. Eighty-six women completed the investigation, 58 with renal damage, and 28 without. Of those with damage, one had chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 3, 14 stage 2, and 43 stage 1. Women with bilateral damage had lower GFR than those with no or unilateral damage (p < 0.0001). Women with class 3 damage had numerically but not significantly lower GFR than the others with damage (p = 0.07). Between the two studies there was significant decrease of GFR in the group with bilateral damage (p = 0.01). Women with UTI-associated renal damage had remarkably well preserved renal function, but those with bilateral or severe individual kidney damage may be considered for regular monitoring of GFR and blood pressure.