Parental Preferences in the Management of Vesicoureteral Reflux
摘要
Pediatricians, pediatric nephrologists, pediatric surgeons, and pediatric urologists often have different approaches, but parental preferences are rarely considered when discussing the management of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). The main goal of treating VUR is prevention of recurrent febrile urinary tract infections (UTIs) and renal scarring. The choice of management of VUR is dependent on patient age, gender, grade of VUR, bilaterality, clinical course, presence of renal scars, ipsilateral renal function, bladder function, patient compliance, adverse effects of antibacterial therapy and anti-microbial resistance. Definitive endoscopic or surgical correction is the preferred treatment in patients with recurrent febrile UTIs, persistent high-grade VUR, non-compliance with continuous antibiotic prophylaxis and new renal scarring. Data from numerous studies have confirmed the long-term safety and efficacy of endoscopic treatment and therefore endoscopic correction is currently the first-line treatment for children with grade III–V primary VUR in many institutions worldwide because of the simplicity of the day care procedure. In this chapter we discuss the parental preferences which have a major role in the selection of endoscopic treatment over the traditional methods of continuous antibiotic prophylaxis or ureteral reimplantation. Parental preferences play a critical role in determining the most suitable approach, as parents weigh the risks, benefits, and potential impacts of each option on their child’s health and well-being. In recent years, social media has become an influential platform in healthcare decision-making, significantly shaping how parents perceive and choose management options for their children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). While it offers opportunities for information-sharing and support, it also introduces challenges related to misinformation and biased perspectives. By prioritizing clear communication, empathy, and shared decision-making, healthcare providers can support parents in selecting the most appropriate treatment option, ensuring both the child’s well-being and the family’s peace of mind.