Reflux as a cause of end stage kidney disease: report of 32 cases.

Of 32 patients with end stage renal failure secondary to bilateral, primary, low pressure reflux 10 had sterile reflux and 22 had reflux associated with recurrent urinary tract infection. These cases clearly document a potential terminal phase in the natural history of reflux. In addition, the study indicates the absolute necessity of early diagnosis and surgical correction of severe reflux, regardless of whether the reflux is sterile or associated with infection, and before chemical evidence of renal functional impairment.