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:
In this episode, Dr. Eyal Ben-Isaac and Dr. Joan Ko discuss vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and its implications in pediatric urology, particularly in the evaluation of children with febrile urinary tract infections (UTIs). They explore the role of imaging tools such as renal ultrasound, voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG), and contrast-enhanced voiding ultrasound (CVU) in diagnosing urinary tract abnormalities. The conversation also addresses the ongoing debate around guideline recommendations and emphasizes the importance of clinical judgment in decision-making. Key considerations include the risk of renal scarring, long-term kidney outcomes, and personalized management strategies based on factors such as infection recurrence, caregiver reliability, and healthcare access. Dr. Ko also highlights the benefits and limitations of newer imaging modalities like CVU and discusses challenges related to availability and implementation. The episode underscores the importance of balancing evidence-based protocols with individualized care to ensure appropriate diagnosis and management of VUR.
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.
