Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate prospectively the impact of bacteriuria with or without pyuria and/or detrusor pressure on renal tubular function in patients with secondary vesicoureteral reflux.
Methods: From October 1994 to December1998, we evaluated 54 patients with secondary vesicoureteral reflux (26 men and 28 women; age 30+/-24 years), of whom 28 had a neurogenic and 26 a nonneurogenic voiding dysfunction. In a reference population (n = 48; 28 men, 20 women; age 38+/-14 years), 43 had a neurogenic and 5 a nonneurogenic voiding dysfunction. Urinary alpha-1-microglobulin was measured immunonephelometrically. Statistical analysis was performed by multiple regression analysis.
Results: Patients with vesicoureteral reflux had a significantly higher urinary alpha-1-microglobulin/creatinine ratio. Urinary alpha-1-microglobulin excretion was related to the grade of vesicoureteral reflux, detrusor pressure and compliance, but not to bacteriuria or pyuria, and was diagnostic for vesicoureteral reflux with a sensitivity of 90%, a specificity of 70% and a negative predictive value of 97%.
Conclusion: Urinary alpha-1-microglobulin excretion is diagnostically useful in patients with secondary vesicoureteral reflux. The use of urinary alpha-1-microglobulin excretion in the follow-up of patients with vesicoureteral reflux has yet to be established.