Burning with urination

**Deflux or Not**

Dear Dr. Mike, My brother's three year old daughter has vesicoureteral reflux problem (between grade III and IV). She has been on antibiotics for the last one year. Although there was no UTI or kidney scarring etc., there was also no improvement in the reflux. Her doctor is recommending Deflux. Since Deflux was approved by FDA, just in December 2001, we are concerned about the long term effects. Could you please help us decide whether we should go for Deflux or open surgery? Or should we just stick to the antibiotics for now? How long can we give her antibiotics before we decide to have the surgical procedures done? Are there any long term effects of prolonged use of antibiotics? Thanks --Arvinder
Hello, I would continue antibiotics for another year, and determine if improvement in the reflux occurs. If after that time, there is no improvement you can see how Deflux has been working on other patients over the past year, and get a better handle on side effects (if any) it may have. Surgery is probably not necessary yet, especially with no worsening in your little one's reflux. No significant complications will occur with long term antibiotic therapy. I hope that helps. Dr. Mike This article was reviewed 04/23/2010 07:24 AM