[Ultrasound diagnosis of fetal urinary tract abnormalities--incidence, therapy and follow-up].

561 severe foetal malformations were seen from 1975 to 1986 in a total of 17,057 births (3.3%). The urogenital tract was involved in 164 cases only (1.0%). The proportion of malformations of the urinary tract was 29% of all observed anomalies. In 31% of the cases (51 of 164) there were isolated malformations, and in 20% (33 of 164) combined malformations of the urinary tract. 58% (96 of 164) of the urinary tract anomalies definitely belonged to syndromes (e.g. Potter's syndrome). Of 68 newborns with correctable urogenital changes, 42 were diagnosed as obstructive uropathy, 7 of which with urethral valves. A highly critical view is taken of the possibilities of intrauterine therapy in obstructive uropathies.