Chronic Pyelonephritis as a Cause of Renal Failure in Dialysis Candidates

Abstract

Chronic pyelonephritis was found to be the primary cause of end-stage renal failure in 22 (13%) of 173 dialysis candidates and was almost always associated with an underlying structural defect. Unequivocal nonobstructive chronic pyelonephritis was not found. Documented infection of the urinary tract was infrequent among 49 (28%) patients in whom a definite diagnosis could not be established. Chronic glomerulonephritis was the most frequent cause of end-stage renal failure in the series. This study has implications in regard to bacteriological screening programs.