How serious is fetal pyelectasis?

A fetus with severe pyelectasis or hydronephrosis is at increased risk of developing problems such as low amniotic fluid and kidney disease. In addition pyelectasis has a weak association with chromosome abnormalities, in particular Down syndrome .

How common is pyelectasis in female fetus?

Pyelectasis is a collection of fluid in the fetal kidneys causing them to dilate. Pyelectasis is also referred to as “renal pelvic dilatation.” This iss seen in approximately 1% of pregnancies, and is more common in male than in female fetuses.

How common is fetal pyelectasis?

Pyelectasis is an increased collection of urine in part of the baby’s kidney called the renal pelvis. Approximately 1 in every 40 pregnancies have pyelectasis, and this can be seen in one or both of the kidneys. Pyelectasis can be seen in any pregnancy, but is more common in boys.

What causes pyelectasis in pregnancy?

The most common causes of pyelectasis are: Ureteropelvic junction obstruction: A blockage of urine between the kidneys and the ureter. Vesicoureteral reflux: An abnormal flow of urine from the bladder to the kidneys.

Does pyelectasis go away?

Pyelectasis will resolve spontaneously more than 90 percent of the time. If the blockage is more severe, your baby may need follow-up care and possibly surgery after delivery. If the obstruction is more severe, urine may back-up and collect in the kidneys. This is called hydronephrosis.

What percentage of babies with pyelectasis have Down syndrome?

Pyelectasis was observed in 17.4% (four of 23) of Down syndrome fetuses versus only 2% (120 of 5876) of normal controls, a statistically significant difference (P less than .

Is pyelectasis something to worry about?

Pyelectasis or mild hydronephrosis will likely have little or no effect on your baby. Most babies with this condition do very well. Very rarely, a baby will have severe bilateral hydronephrosis or an extremely distended or filled bladder and insufficient amniotic fluid.