Detection of abnormality of fetal urinary tract as a predictor of renal tract disease.

Over three years all infants in this hospital found to have an abnormality of the urinary tract on antenatal scanning were followed up after delivery with contrast radiography. Disease of the renal tract was confirmed in 17 of 20 infants. Of the 15 survivors, 12 underwent surgery in the first year of life. Abnormality of the fetal urinary tract detected by ultrasound scanning seems to be an important indicator of disease of the renal tract. Before its use is extended, however, further assessment of the benefit of antenatal diagnosis and of the best time to scan is required.