Retrospective Analysis of Simple and Stage II Renal Cysts: Pediatric Nephrology Point of View.

INTRODUCTION: Increased ultrasonography (US) use has been correlated with an increased incidence of pediatric renal cysts. For simple and stage II cysts, the malignancy risk is low in adulthood, no follow-up is recommended; but there is no consensus on childhood management. Since pediatric renal cysts may be manifestations of hereditary cystic diseases, a different approach and follow-up should be taken for these patients. Herein we present the clinical characteristics and follow-up data of our pediatric patients with simple and stage II renal cysts.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 57 children (mean age 12.44 ± 3.65 years) with simple (n = 35) and stage II cysts (n = 22) who were diagnosed and being followed at our department for at least two years.

RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 2.84 years for simple and 3.10 years for stage II cysts. None of the patients developed complications. No change in cyst diameter was detected in 65.7% of simple and 45.5% of stage II cysts. However, 13 simple cysts (37.1%) and 8 stage II cysts (36.4%) increased in diameter. The diameter change per year was significantly higher in the stage II cysts compared to the simple cysts (p = 0.017). Overall, 13 patients (22%) had an estimated glomerular filtration rate below 90 ml/min/1.73 m2 , and 2 patients had hypertension.

CONCLUSION: While the malignancy risk of simple and stage II kidney cysts is low for this age group, potential complications such as renal dysfunction, hypertension and hereditary cystic diseases should be closely monitored. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.