Podcast-Vesicoureteral Reflux
Learning Objectives
At the end of this course, participants should be able to:
- Describe the role of ultrasound in screening for urinary tract abnormalities in children with febrile UTIs
- Compare traditional VCUG with contrast-enhanced voiding ultrasound (CVU) in diagnosing vesicoureteral reflux
- Evaluate the indications for imaging based on American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines and clinical considerations
- Discuss the risks of renal scarring and its long-term implications for kidney health
- Apply an individualized approach to patient management by considering factors such as recurrent infections, parental reliability, and healthcare accessibility
Intended Audience:
This online course is designed for pediatricians, family physicians, and pediatric urologists.
Abstract:
Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and its implications in pediatric urology remain a critical topic, particularly in the evaluation of children with febrile urinary tract infections (UTIs). This discussion highlights the role of ultrasound and voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) or contrast-enhanced voiding ultrasound (CVU) in diagnosing urinary tract abnormalities, the controversy surrounding guideline recommendations, and the nuances in clinical decision-making. Key considerations include the risk of renal scarring, long-term kidney health, and individualized patient management strategies based on risk factors such as recurrent infections, parental reliability, and access to healthcare. The episode also addresses newer imaging modalities, such as CVU, their advantages, and challenges related to accessibility. By balancing evidence-based guidelines with clinical judgment, providers can optimize the diagnosis and management of VUR while minimizing unnecessary procedures.
Assessment and Earning CME Credit:
This course in English is not CME-accredited. However, it provides valuable educational content that can enhance your knowledge and skills in the subject matter. To receive CME credit for this course in Armenia, you must take the course in Armenian and complete the post-course quiz. You have three chances to achieve a passing score of 70%. Once you pass the quiz, we will send your information to the Armenian Ministry of Health for credits.
Dr. Joan Ko
Dr. Joan Ko is an Assistant Professor of Urology working in the Division of Pediatric Urology at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. She earned her undergraduate degree in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology at Yale University and attended medical school at the University of Virginia. She completed her general surgery internship and urology residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital, then went on to complete her pediatric urology fellowship at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. At CHLA, Dr. Ko is the Director of Clinical Research and oversees many active projects within the Division of Pediatric Urology. Dr. Ko has special interests in the care of complex urologic patients with disorders such as spina bifida, bladder exstrophy-epispadias complex, and cloacal malformations but enjoys caring for all pediatric urology patients.
