[Prognostic markers for congenital hydronephroses].

Watchful waiting has become the standard therapy in most cases of asymptomatic unilateral congenital hydronephroses with normal renal function. Simple, reliable, and noninvasive prognostic parameters that predict an increased risk of functional deterioration either at the initial evaluation or during follow-up would be most useful. At the moment the diameter of the renal pelvis and especially its increase is the most useful prognostic parameter, while an "obstructed" washout at furosemide isotope renography is of limited prognostic value. Preclinical and preliminary clinical studies indicate that the measurement of molecules in the urine of affected children such as TGF-31 and MCP-1 that are involved in the signal transduction during hydronephrotic atrophy might become well accepted as useful prognostic parameters in the near future.