TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Obstructive Uropathies A1 - Owumi, Winifred A. A1 - Kennedy, William A. A2 - Stevenson, David K. A2 - Cohen, Ronald S. A2 - Sunshine, Philip PY - 2015 T2 - Neonatology: Clinical Practice and Procedures AB - The urinary system is essential for the elimination of metabolic wastes, maintenance of physiologic pH, and the preservation of fluid and electrolyte homeostasis. It also contributes to vital functions like erythropoiesis and blood pressure control. Obstruction in the upper or lower urinary tract system can lead to disruption in these vital body physiologies and can lead to significant morbidity, which may be irreversible and ultimately lead to mortality. In neonates and young children, reports have shown that obstruction of the urinary tract is the most common cause of renal insufficiency, especially in boys under the age of 1, as well as the number 1 cause of renal transplantation in children.1, 2 The majority of these obstructive uropathies are congenital in nature. The neonatal kidney is still developing, therefore obstruction can lead to alterations in the normal growth pattern and differentiation of the renal cells beginning in the intrauterine period and progressing postpartum, ultimately resulting in the development of fibrosis and renal failure. Obstruction can be limited to the upper urinary tract, the lower urinary tract, or a combination. SN - PB - McGraw-Hill Education CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/04/24 UR - accesspediatrics.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1109795324 ER -