Posterior urethral valve are commonly observed in ?
**Core Concept**
Posterior urethral valves (PUV) are a congenital anomaly characterized by the presence of obstructive mucosal folds in the posterior urethra. This condition is a result of abnormal development of the urethral folds during fetal development, leading to obstruction of urine flow.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is related to the demographic group most commonly affected by PUV. PUV is predominantly observed in male infants, which is due to the fact that the urethral folds in males fuse to form the posterior urethra. In females, the urethral folds do not fuse, and therefore, PUV is extremely rare in females. The condition can lead to severe obstructive uropathy, renal impairment, and other complications if left untreated.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because PUV is not commonly observed in females. As mentioned earlier, the urethral folds in females do not fuse, making PUV extremely rare in this demographic group.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because PUV is not typically associated with a familial or genetic predisposition. While some cases may have a familial component, the majority of PUV cases occur sporadically.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because PUV is not commonly observed in premature infants. While premature infants may have an increased risk of urinary tract anomalies, PUV is more commonly observed in term male infants.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that PUV often presents with a triad of symptoms: palpable bladder, urinary tract infection, and oligohydramnios (reduced fetal urine output). This triad can help clinicians suspect PUV in affected infants.
**Correct Answer: D. Male infants.**