Context: Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) constitutes a predominant cause of obstructive hydronephrosis. Fundamental questions regarding the assessment and treatment of infants and children with obstructive nephropathy remain unanswered.
Objective: Several studies have investigated the usefulness of substances that could serve as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in children with UPJO. Aim of the present study is to systematically review the literature on biomarkers that have been studied to date in patients with UPJO.
Methods: The main search was conducted in the electronic databases MEDLINE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) from inception through March 2014 using various combinations of Medical Subject Headings (MeSH).
Results: The 14 included studies reported data on 380 UPJO patients who underwent surgery, 174 who were treated conservatively and 213 controls.
Conclusion: Some biomarkers offer promising results however more multicenter, prospective carefully designed studies are needed to evaluate their diagnostic and prognostic value.
Keywords: Antenatal hydronephrosis; EGF; NGAL; UPJO; children.