Evaluation of children with multicystic dysplastic kidney: The role of recurrent urinary tract infections

Purpose: Multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) is the most common cystic renal disease in children and is often detected prenatally. This study evaluated the clinical features, associated anomalies, and renal outcomes of children with unilateral MCDK, focusing on the impact of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) on renal function.Methods: A retrospective review of 77 patients (aged 1–18 years) diagnosed with unilateral MCDK by ultrasonography between 2019 and 2024 was conducted. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were analyzed, including estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), UTIs, hypertension, and contralateral compensatory hypertrophy.Results: Of 77 patients, 64.9% were male and 55.8% had left-sided disease. Antenatal diagnosis was made in 77.9%, and 85.7% were asymptomatic. Urinary tract and extrarenal anomalies occurred in 27.3% and 40.3%, respectively. UTIs were observed in 31.2% and recurrent UTIs in 11.7%. Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) was detected in 9.1% overall and in 33.3% of patients with recurrent UTIs (p=0.031). Mean follow-up was 7.2±4.4 years with a mean eGFR of 99.9±17.8 mL/min/1.73 m². Recurrent UTIs were more frequent in patients with eGFR