A Prospective Study on Risk Factors for Acute Kidney Injury and All-Cause Mortality in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients From Tehran (Iran).

Background: Several reports suggested that acute kidney injury (AKI) is a relatively common occurrence in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, but its prevalence is inconsistently reported across different populations. Moreover, it is unknown whether AKI results from a direct infection of the kidney by SARS-CoV-2 or it is a consequence of the physiologic disturbances and therapies used to treat COVID-19. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of AKI since it varies by geographical settings, time periods, and populations studied and to investigate whether clinical information and laboratory findings collected at hospital admission might influence AKI incidence (and mortality) in a particular point in time during hospitalization for COVID-19. Methods: Herein we conducted a prospective longitudinal study investigating the prevalence of AKI and associated factors in 997 COVID-19 patients admitted to the Baqiyatallah general hospital of Tehran (Iran), collecting both clinical information and several dates (of: birth; hospital admission; AKI onset; ICU admission; hospital discharge; death). In order to examine how the clinical factors influenced AKI incidence and all-cause mortality during hospitalization, survival analysis using the Cox proportional-hazard models was adopted. Two separate multiple Cox regression models were fitted for each outcome (AKI and death). Results: In this group of hospitalized COVID-19 patients, the prevalence of AKI was 28.5% and the mortality rate was 19.3%. AKI incidence was significantly enhanced by diabetes, hyperkalemia, higher levels of WBC count, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). COVID-19 patients more likely to die over the course of their hospitalization were those presenting a joint association between ICU admission with either severe COVID-19 or even mild/moderate COVID-19, hypokalemia, and higher levels of BUN, WBC, and LDH measured at hospital admission. Diabetes and comorbidities did not increase the mortality risk among these hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Conclusions: Since the majority of patients developed AKI after ICU referral and 40% of them were admitted to ICU within 2 days since hospital admission, these patients may have been already in critical clinical conditions at admission, despite being affected by a mild/moderate form of COVID-19, suggesting the need of early monitoring of these patients for the onset of eventual systemic complications.

Iranian patients co-infected with COVID-19 and mucormycosis: the most common predisposing factor, clinical outcomes, laboratory markers and diagnosis, and drug therapies.

BACKGROUND: The newly emerged pandemic of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is the world's main health challenge because infected patients become vulnerable to a variety of opportunistic diseases. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess clinical outcomes, diagnosis, utilized drug therapies, and ongoing COVID-19 practices in Iranian cases co-infected with COVID-19 and mucormycosis. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: A case-series analysis was conducted in the presence of 10 patients with COVID-19 and mucormycosis co-infection (two men and eight women; mean age of 48.8 years) from March to October 2020. Demographic variables, signs/symptoms, and comorbidities of all patients were recorded. COVID-19 was confirmed with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) nasopharyngeal swab tests and high-resolution computed tomography (HR-CT)_ scans. RESULTS: All patients had a positive RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2. Eight patients had a history of diabetes, while three of them exhibited a hypertension history. Remarkable laboratory findings were elevated fasting blood sugar in 6 cases and anaemia in four patients. A rhino-orbital-cerebral of mucormycosis in all patients was detected based on HR-CT scans and otorhinolaryngological or ophthalmological examinations. Neurological disorders including facial, trigeminal, optic, and oculomotor nerve involvement resulted in paraesthesia, pain, ptosis, no light perception, blurred vision, and papilledema in five cases. Maxillary and ethmoid sinuses were the most common sites of involvement. CONCLUSION: Vulnerable COVID-19 patients with comorbidities, any facial involvements, or treated by excessive doses of glucocorticoids and antibiotics should undergo precise examinations during the appearance of early signs and hospitalization to diagnose and treat mucormycosis using the standard care and antifungal treatments.

Iranian kidney transplant recipients with COVID-19 infection: Clinical outcomes and cytomegalovirus coinfection.

BACKGROUND: There is a high risk of COVID-19 in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) because of chronic immunosuppression and severe cytomegalovirus (CMV) pneumonitis. CASE PRESENTATION: A case series of 10 KTRs with COVID-19 in Iran was developed. Participants consisted of two female and eight male patients, aged 46-68 years old. The data related to clinical laboratory tests, outcomes, diagnosis, and drug treatments were collected. The RT-PCR confirmed the COVID-19 infection in KTRs. The assessment of serum biochemical and blood hematological factors showed that there was a strong correlation between COVID-19 intensity and high serum Cr, BUN, and ALT levels, high CRP concentration, and lower lymphocyte and platelet counts in male KTRs. Ground-glass opacity (GGO) was the main radiologic pattern visible on both chest radiographs of computed tomography scans. The COVID-19 and CMV coinfection in KTRs resulted in large-size kidneys with severe parenchymal echogenicity and hydronephrosis. The combined use of effective antibiotic and antiviral drugs was suitable to prevent COVID-19 progression in KTRs. CONCLUSIONS: The coincidence of COVID-19 and CMV in KTRs may potentially increase the mortality risk of patients. The levels of Cr, BUN, ALT, and CRP as well as lymphocytes count in these patients should be continuously controlled.

Soluble CD30, the Immune Response, and Acute Rejection in Human Kidney Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Soluble CD30 (sCD30) is considered to be a marker for the activated immune system in which T cells can damage the allograft. Some studies reported that post-transplant sCD30 can predict early acute rejection and can thereby be used as a biomarker to detect acute rejection. However, several other studies found no relation between post-transplant sCD30 and acute rejection. This meta-analysis study aims to answer this main question of whether sCD30 can help clinicians to monitor transplant recipients. The electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, the gray literature, and the key journals, were searched for observational studies from 1 January 1990 up to 30 April 2018. Eighteen studies, with a total of 1,453 patients, were included in this paper. With regard to the different measurement times, post-transplant sCD30 was separately analyzed and divided into five groups (i.e., 1, 2, 3, 4 week, and 1 month post-transplant sCD30). All groups indicated a strong association between sCD30 and the acute rejection. The standardized mean difference (SMD) is 1.22 in 1 week, 0.77 in 2 week, 1.11 in 3 week, 1.27 in 4 week, and 0.71 in 1 month groups. The association between sCD30 and acute rejection was consistent across all the subgroup analyses. We found that post-transplant sCD30 had a strong association with acute kidney rejection. We also found that the deceased donors had more association with the high amount of sCD30 than living donors in patients with acute rejection. Finally, we realized that donor type was an important factor leading to the heterogeneous results in the primary studies.

Association between prostate specific antigen levels and coronary artery angioplasty.

Introduction: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein, whose serum levels changes during various physiologic and pathologic situations. Recently, the relationship between PSA and cardiologic disorders has been assessed. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the association of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) complications with PSA serum levels. Patients and Methods: In this study, 100 eligible patients undergoing PCI were included. The total PSA serum values were analyzed pre- and post-procedure. The association between PSA levels with age, gender, inflammatory (C-reactive protein [CRP] and white blood cell [WBC]), cardiogenic (troponin, CK-MB, echocardiography and angiography results), and nephrology (creatinine) properties was investigated. Results: Changes in the level of PSA pre- and post-PCI was not significant (P=0.2). However, based on the pathology, patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) had a significant difference in the levels of PSA compared to cases of stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD) (P=0.008). Moreover, the effect of gender on the changes in PSA level following PCI was conclusive. There was no association between the direct effect of PCI parameters or PCI complications on PSA level changes. Conclusion: The results showed that PSA levels were affected by the etiology of cardiac disorders instead of therapeutic methods like PCI.

The relationship between dialysis adequacy and serum uric acid in dialysis patients; a cross-sectional multi-center study in Iranian hemodialysis centers.

Introduction: Uric acid is one of the most significant uremic toxins accumulating in chronic renal failure patients treated with standard dialysis. Its clearance has not any exact relation with urea and creatinine clearance. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between adequacy of dialysis and serum level of uric acid in dialysis patients of some dialysis centers in Iran. Patients and Methods: In this study 1271 hemodialysis patients who have been treated for more than 3 months were evaluated. Their information and examinations from their files in all over the country were gathered and analyzed using SPSS versin18.0. Results: In this study, a significant relationship between dialysis duration and serum level of uric acid was not detected, however, a significant relationship between patients Kt/V and uric acid (R=0.43, P=0.029) was seen. Patients who had higher adequacy of dialysis had a higher level of plasma uric acid. Conclusion: For better controlling of plasma uric acid level of hemodialysis patients, increasing of the adequacy of dialysis or its duration is not effective. Other modalities of decreasing of serum uric acid like, changing diet or lifestyle or medical therapy may be necessary.

Evaluation of a biosimilar recombinant alpha epoetin in the management of anemia in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of human recombinant erythropoietins (rHuEPOs) in the treatment of anemia with different etiologies is proven. Development of biosimilar rHuEPO products with lower cost and wider availability is important for the care of anemic patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to determine the bioequivalence and safety of a biosimilar rHuEPO (Pastopoitin(®)) and compare it with the innovator product Eprex(®), as a standard rHuEPO. METHODS: One hundred and seven anemic patients on stable hemodialysis were recruited to this randomized double-blind comparative trial and assigned to either subcutaneous Pastopoitin (n = 50) or Eprex (n = 57). Each study group received rHuEPO at a dose of 80-120 IU/kg/week in 2-3 divided doses for a period of 3 months. Hematologic parameters including Hemoglobin, hematocrit, RBC, EBC, platelet, MCV, MCH and MCHC were checked every 2 weeks. Blood iron, ferritin, TIBC, creatinine, BUN and electrolytes (Na, K, Ca and P) were evaluated monthly over the 3 months. RESULTS: A significant increase in hemoglobin, hematocrit and RBC was observed by the end of study in both Pastopoitin and Eprex groups (p < 0.001). However, these factors were not significantly different between the groups, neither at baseline nor at the end of study (p > 0.05). Likewise, the groups were comparable regarding MCV, MCH, MCHC, iron, ferritin, TIBC, creatinine, BUN and electrolytes at baseline as well as at the end of trial. Adverse events were not serious and occurred with the same frequency in the study groups. CONCLUSION: Pastopoitin showed comparable efficacy and safety profile with Eprex in anemic patients on hemodialysis. Hence, Pastopoitin may be considered as a rHuEPO with a lower cost and wider availability compared with the innovator product Eprex.

Sleep quality among Iranian hemodialysis patients: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Sleep disorders are prevalent complication in patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis (HD). The factors affecting sleep quality (SQ) of patients on HD have not been completely recognized yet. In addition, some studies have shown that poor SQ increases the risk of mortality in patients on HD. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify the prevalence of poor SQ and its associated risk factors in Iranian patients on HD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional and multicenter study was conducted on 6878 patients on HD from 132 dialysis centers in Iran. Sleep domain of disease specific core of KDCS-SF questionnaire and generic core of this questionnaire (SF-36) were used to assess patients' SQ and quality of life (QoL), respectively. A poor SQ was defined as a score of ≤ 61.2. Logistic and linear regression analyses were applied to assess predictors of SQ and their associations. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 54.4 ± 17.1 years and 39.7% of patients were > 60 years old. The majority of our patients had poor SQ (60.6%). Patients with diabetes mellitus were significantly more likely to have poor quality of sleep (63.4%). In logistic regression analysis, there were significant correlation between good SQ and younger age, shorter dialysis vintage, less muscle cramp, high QoL, high cognitive function score, and high sexual function. In addition, linear regression showed a significant association among SQ, QoL, and hospital stay as an outcome. CONCLUSIONS: With improving some factors and QoL of patients on HD, we can promote SQ in these patients that it might lead to reduction in length of hospital stay.

Flank pain after minor trauma as the initial manifestation of malignant pheochromocytoma; a case report.

Pheochromocytoma is a tumor which originates from chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla or the sympathetic ganglia. This tumor secrets a high amount of catecholamine and metabolites, causing hypertension crisis with headache, tachycardia, sweating and flushing (classic triad of pheochromocytoma). However, in some cases the disease may cause atypical symptoms or may be asymptomatic. The presented patient is a 34-year-old man who referred to our clinic with left flank pain. He had a history of falling from height. In the primary physical examination, a large mass in the abdominal left upper quadrant was palpated. After diagnostic evaluation malignant pheochromocytoma was detected. The patient was discharged on the fourth day after surgery. Malignant pheochromocytoma can presented with atypical symptoms or can be asymptomatic.

Vitamin D Levels After Kidney Transplantation and the Risk of Cytomegalovirus Infection.

BACKGROUND: Some studies reported an association between low levels of vitamin D and the risk of infections, especially viral infections. Kidney transplant patients are at risk of opportunistic infections; however, no study has been conducted on the association between vitamin D levels and the risk of CMV infection. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the level of vitamin D in two groups of patients with and without CMV infection within four months after the transplantation. Moreover, we aimed to find a relation between vitamin D level, before and after transplantation in each group. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective cohort study was conducted in Baqiyatallah hospital in Tehran in 2013. A total of 82 kidney transplant patients were enrolled and vitamin D levels were measured in them before transplantation. The kidney transplant patients had been followed up for four months and monitored for the presence of cytomegalovirus antigen (CMV Ag) in their blood. In patients with positive CMV Ag, vitamin D level was measured again when they became positive but in other patients it was measured at the end of follow-up; at the end, characteristics of patients and vitamin D levels were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Of all, 40 patients were CMV Ag positive and 42 patients were negative. In most patients transplanted organs were taken from cadaver (66%) and the most common type of dialysis was hemodialysis (92%). Most participants did not undergo antithymocyte globulin therapy (69%) and pulse corticosteroid therapy (83%). Vitamin D level before transplantation was 17.2 ± 11.6 ng/mL. In patients with positive results or at the end of follow-up in patients without CMV Ag, vitamin D level was 16.3 ± 11.4 ng/mL. Only 11% of kidney transplant patients, within four months after transplantation, had a normal level of vitamin D (> 30 ng/mL). There was no significant difference between the two groups for patients' characteristics (P > 0.05). Vitamin D levels, before transplantation and at the time of detecting CMV Ag or at the end of follow-up period in patients without CMV, were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). However, vitamin D levels decreased in patients with CMV, while it increased in CMV Ag negative patients, which was statistically significant (P = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: Only 11% of kidney transplant patients, even with a successful transplantation of the kidney and with an acceptable performance of the transplanted kidney, had an adequate level of vitamin D. Although, we did not find any significant association between vitamin D levels and CMV infection during a 4-month follow-up after kidney transplantation. It was observed that, compared with the time before transplantation, vitamin D levels decreased in patients with CMV, while it increased in CMV negative patients.

Infective endocarditis after renal transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious complication in immunosuppressive patients that has adverse effects. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to define the characteristics, outcomes, and correlating factors of mortality in renal transplant recipients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Infective endocarditis was diagnosed in 22 patients from three renal transplant centers in Iran between 2000 and 2010. Modified Duke criteria were applied to confirm the diagnosis. RESULTS: Twenty-two renal transplant patients with IE were evaluated. Blood culture results were positive in 81%. Enteroccous and group D non-enterococcal were the causative microorganisms in 31% and 25% of patients, respectively. In-hospital and 12-month mortality was 41% and the mortality rate was higher in older patients in comparison to younger patients. Overall, the rates of one-year disease-free patient and graft survival were 49% and 88%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the availability of different and potent antibiotics, the mortality caused by IE remains considerably high. These patients are significantly prone to endovascular infections that affect the mortality and survival.

Does kidney transplantation with deceased or living donor affect graft survival?

BACKGROUND: There are growing numbers of patients with end-stage renal disease globally at an unexpected rate. Today, the most serious challenge in transplantation is organ shortage; hence, using deceased donor is increasingly encouraged. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to investigate the differences in survival rates between kidney transplant recipients with deceased donor and living donor. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a retrospective cohort study, 218 patients who had undergone kidney transplantation in our institute from April 2008 to September 2010 were recruited. Demographics and post-transplantation follow-up data including immunosuppression regimens, rejection episodes, and survival rates were evaluated. The patients were assigned to two groups according to the donor kidney transplantation: group I, living donor kidney transplants; and group II, deceased donor kidney transplants. RESULTS: Although there were no significant differences in one-year survival rates of patient and graft between study groups, three-years survival rates of patient and graft were significantly longer in living donor kidney transplants in comparison with the deceased donor kidney recipients (P = 0.006 and P = 0.004, respectively). In Cox-regression model after adjusting for other confounding factors such as age, sex, diabetes mellitus, and first- or second-time transplantation, overall patient and graft survivals were also significantly shorter in deceased kidney transplantation than those who received kidney from a living donor (HR, 3.5; 95% CI, 1.2-10.4; and P = 0.02 for patient survival; and HR, 5.4; 95% CI, 1.5-19.5; and P = 0.009 for graft survival). CONCLUSIONS: We found acceptable short-term survival in both groups; however, living donor recipients continue to have better long-term patient and graft survival rates.

Different aspects of fatigue experienced by patients receiving maintenance dialysis in hemodialysis units.

BACKGROUND: Fatigue, a common symptom reported by patients receiving dialysis, is a multidimensional and subjective experience which is readily understood by individuals but difficult to measure. OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to identify the prevalence of differential aspects of fatigue among patients receiving maintenance dialysis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted in two hemodialysis wards in Tehran with a sample of 163 participants. In this study, the multidimensional fatigue inventory was used to determine the level of fatigue. Demographic data were also collected with self-report survey. To analyze data with SPSS statistical software, test Chi square, T-test, and ANOVA were used. P- Value less than 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: All the patients experienced degrees of fatigue and 50 (30.7%) of the participants experienced a high level of fatigue. Fatigue scores arrangement was founded for physical fatigue followed by reduced activity and general fatigue. Lower levels of fatigue were reported for mental fatigue and reduced motivation. There was no diversity in this study in the levels of fatigue in respects of gender and marital status and employment status. Participants with diabetic nephropathy were the most fatigued. CONCLUSIONS: People with chronic kidney disease regardless of their age, gender, state of health, and duration of hemodialysis experience high levels of fatigue; it is particularly important for health providers to understand this level of fatigue which affects the daily life of patients.

The effect of vitamin C on parathyroid hormone in patients on hemodialysis with secondary hyperparathyroidism: a double blind, placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a prevalent disorder in patients with chronic kidney disease. It is proffered that there is a contradictory relation between serum level of vitamin C and parathyroid hormone (PTH) in hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to assess the effects of the supplemental vitamin C on parathyroid hormone among hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind and parallel-group trial was conducted on 82 hemodialysis patients with serum levels of PTH more than 200 pg/mL. In intervention group, 250 mg vitamin C was injected three times a week for 8 weeks in a row immediately at the end of each dialysis session via the intravenous route. In the control group, same term of placebo saline was injected. RESULTS: The mean of serum PTH was 699.81 (± 318.8) and 596.03 (± 410.7) pg/mL in intervention and control groups respectively at baseline (reference range, 6 to 66 pg/mL), and at the end of study it changed to 441.4 and 424.6 in these groups. The values of serum Calcium and Phosphate did not significantly change during the study (8.4 ± 0.6 mg/dL versus 8.1 ± 0.8 mg/dL, P = 0.39; 5.89 ± 1.7 mg/dL versus 5.9 ± 1.9 mg/dL, P = 0.08, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study finding does not warranted therapeutic effect of vitamin C on secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Investigation of the efficacy of a biogeneric recombinant human erythropoietin alfa in the management of renal anemia in patients on hemodialysis: a multi-center clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) is the cornerstone therapy for anemia associated with chronic kidney disease. However, not all patients with renal anemia receive sufficient doses of rHuEPO due to its high cost. The present trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Epolyrec, a biogeneric rHuEPO, in the management of renal anemia in patients on hemodialysis. METHODS: Seventy-two patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) who were receiving hemodialysis were assigned to receive Epolyrec subcutaneously at a dose of 40-80 IU/Kg in 2-3 divided doses after each dialysis session for 12 weeks. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, and CBC/DIFF together with biomarkers of iron status, renal function, and trace elements were evaluated at baseline and during the course of trial. RESULTS: Hemoglobin concentrations and hematocrit progressively increased from baseline (8.45 +/- 1.42 mg/dL and 27.05 +/- 4.64% for hemoglobin and hematocrit, respectively) to the end of trial (10.56 +/- 1.93 and 34.06 +/- 6.70) (p < 0.001). RBC count (p = 0.026), reticulocyte count (p = 0.045), and MCV (p < 0.001) were also significantly increased at the end of trial (3.86 +/- 0.91x10(6)/microL, 0.78 +/- 0.31%, and 93.50 +/- 10.90 fL for RBC count, reticulocyte count, and MCV, respectively) compared to baseline (0.98 +/- 3.38, 0.18 +/- 0.63, and 89.75 +/- 9.35). Serum iron and ferritin were decreased while creatinine and phosphorous increased by the end of trial. No significant change was observed in WBC count, RDW, MCH, MCHC, BUN, PTH, Na, Ca, K, and Mg (p > 0.05). The frequencies of evaluated side effects were generally low and < 10%. CONCLUSIONS: Epolyrec is clinically efficacious in the elevation of hemoglobin and hematocrit in anemic ESRD patients receiving hemodialysis. Future comparative trials are warranted to compare the efficacy and safety of Epolyrec to those of innovator products.

Incidence of malignancy after living kidney transplantation: a multicenter study from iran.

Malignancy is a common complication after renal transplantation. However, limited data are available on post-transplant malignancy in living kidney transplantation. Therefore, we made a plan to evaluate the incidence and types of malignancies, association with the main risk factors and patient survival in a large population of living kidney transplantation. We conducted a large retrospective multicenter study on 12525 renal recipients, accounting for up to 59% of all kidney transplantation in Iran during 22 years follow up period. All information was collected from observation of individual notes or computerized records for transplant patients. Two hundred and sixty-six biopsy-proven malignancies were collected from 16 Transplant Centers in Iran; 26 different type of malignancy categorized in 5 groups were detected. The mean age of patients was 46.2±12.9 years, mean age at tumor diagnosis was 50.8±13.2 years and average time between transplantation and detection of malignancy was 50.0±48.4 months. Overall tumor incidence in recipients was 2%. Kaposis' sarcoma was the most common type of tumor. The overall mean survival time was 117.1 months (95% CI: 104.9-129.3). In multivariate analysis, the only independent risk factor associated with mortality was type of malignancy. This study revealed the lowest malignancy incidence in living unrelated kidney transplantation.

Predisposing factors for renal scarring in children with urinary tract infection.

This study was undertaken to determine the predisposing factors for renal scarring in children with urinary tract infection. In this prospective cohort study, 176 children with documented urinary tract infection were categorized into four groups: ≤1 year old, 1-2 years old, 2-7 years and 7-14 years old. Ultrasonography and Technetium-99 m-DMSA scan were used to detect the possible abnormalities. Infants under 12 months old presented as the most common group for renal scarring (27 cases, 52.9%), and vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) was diagnosed in 29 cases (56.8%). Fifteen (41.67%) children between the ages of one and two years had renal scar, and VUR was detected in half of the patients. In the third group, 36.3%, and in fourth group, 41.6% of the patients had renal scar. Also, 38.6% in group three and 50% in the final group had VUR. A co-incidental finding that was observed in this study was the high incidence of pseudohypoaldesteronism (PHA) in our patients: in 39.2% of the children in group one, 22.2% in group two and 4% in group three. In group four however, none of the patients had PHA. Risk of scar formation with urinary tract infection (UTI) was higher in the younger age group and in those with recurrent UTIs.