Evaluation of hydronephrosis, during pregnancy in Nigerian women

Abstract

Hydronephrosis is common during pregnancy. However, pattern of dilatation and effect of urinary tract problems are still largely controversial. The study aims to determine, the pattern of dilatation of the collecting system during pregnancy, effect of urinary tract problems and parity on the degree of dilatation, in our environment. Subjects were 135 women with singleton pregnancy (Gestational age of 12-40 weeks) and 43 non-pregnant women of child bearing age, referred to the ultrasound unit of Federal Medical centre Lokoja,Nigeria, for routine obstetrics sonography. Duration was, from January 2004 to may 2004. The pelvicalyceal diametersweremeasured and classified intomild,moderate or severe dilatation. Hydronephrosis of pregnancywas found to have an incidence of 93.4% on the right side and 84.4% on the left side. Alinear relationship was established between gestational age and mean pelvicalyceal diameters for both kidneys. Mean pelvicalyceal diameter was higher in women with urinary tract problems than those without, and this was statistically significant for the right kidney.(p>0.05).No association was however found with parity. Hydronephrosis is common in pregnancy with a right sided predominance.Pelvicalyceal diameter increases gradually throughout pregnancy with advancing gestational age. Urinary tract problems seemto cause increase in pelvicalyceal diameterwhile parity has no influence.

Keywords: Pregnancy, hydronephrosis, ultrasound.