Clinical Profiles and Outcomes of Renal Scarring in Children Underwent Dimercaptosuccinic Acid (DMSA) Renal Scan in A Tertiary Hospital

Introduction: Renal scarring, which can be detected by DMSA renal scan, has been demonstrated to cause hypertension, proteinuria and chronic kidney disease (CKD). We reviewed the proportion of renal scarring, risk factors and outcomes among children who were referred for DMSA scan in a tertiary teaching hospital. Methods: All records of children less than 18 years old who underwent DMSA scan over a ten-year period, were reviewed. Among children whose renal cortical defects were confirmed by DMSA scan, data of their risk factors and its outcome were collected manually. Results: Out of 92 children referred for DMSA scan, half were detected to have renal scarring. Vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR) was significantly associated with the development of renal scarring. CKD (27.1%) and hypertension (12.5%) were the commonest complications. The median duration between diagnosis of the complications and detection of renal scarring was 1 year. Conclusion: A high proportion of children undergoing DMSA scans had renal scarring and early development of serious complications was common.