Overview
Familial vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a condition that runs in families where urine flows backward from the bladder up toward the kidneys through the tubes called ureters. Normally, urine travels in one direction — from the kidneys down to the bladder. When this backward flow happens, it can carry bacteria from the bladder up to the kidneys, leading to repeated urinary tract infections (UTIs). Over time, if not managed properly, this reflux can cause kidney scarring and, in severe cases, kidney damage or reduced kidney function. The familial form of VUR means that the condition is inherited and tends to cluster in families. If one child in a family is diagnosed, siblings and offspring have a significantly higher chance of also having the condition compared to the general population. VUR is one of the most common urological problems found in children, and the familial form highlights the importance of screening family members once a case is identified. Many children with mild to moderate VUR will outgrow the condition as their urinary system matures. Treatment ranges from watchful waiting with preventive antibiotics to surgical correction in more severe cases. Early detection through family screening and prompt treatment of urinary tract infections are key to preventing long-term kidney damage. Newer minimally invasive procedures, such as endoscopic injection therapy, have expanded the treatment options available.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Repeated urinary tract infectionsFever with urinary tract infectionsPain or burning during urinationFrequent need to urinateBedwetting or daytime wettingFoul-smelling urineBlood in the urineAbdominal or flank painPoor weight gain in infantsHigh blood pressure in severe casesKidney scarring found on imagingPrenatal hydronephrosis (swollen kidney seen on ultrasound before birth)
Variable
Can be inherited in different ways depending on the underlying gene
Childhood
Begins in childhood, roughly ages 1 to 12
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Familial vesicoureteral reflux.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Familial vesicoureteral reflux.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Familial vesicoureteral reflux.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What grade of reflux does my child have, and what does that mean for their long-term kidney health?,Should my other children be screened for vesicoureteral reflux?,Is my child likely to outgrow this condition, or will surgery be needed?,What are the risks and benefits of prophylactic antibiotics versus surgery?,How often should my child have follow-up imaging and kidney function tests?,Are there any signs I should watch for at home that would require emergency care?,Would genetic testing be helpful for our family?
Common questions about Familial vesicoureteral reflux
What is Familial vesicoureteral reflux?
Familial vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a condition that runs in families where urine flows backward from the bladder up toward the kidneys through the tubes called ureters. Normally, urine travels in one direction — from the kidneys down to the bladder. When this backward flow happens, it can carry bacteria from the bladder up to the kidneys, leading to repeated urinary tract infections (UTIs). Over time, if not managed properly, this reflux can cause kidney scarring and, in severe cases, kidney damage or reduced kidney function. The familial form of VUR means that the condition is inherited
At what age does Familial vesicoureteral reflux typically begin?
Typical onset of Familial vesicoureteral reflux is childhood. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.