Workstream 1 (WS1) focuses on rare congenital uro-recto-genital anomalies. The Expertise Areas (EAs) covered by Workstream 1 are below. These EAs demand require specific diagnoses and surgical correction, often in both an acute and staged approach in neonatal or childhood stages. Expertise is crucial to prevent costly and harmful secondary surgeries. Multi-disciplinary teams (MDTs) offer life-long care, enhancing post-operative well-being. ERN eUROGEN bridges paediatric and adult care gaps, enhancing outcomes through crossover and workstream transfer from WS1 to WS2. Improved transition ensures lifelong positive outcomes and disease self-management, ensuring continuous care across life stages. NOTE: ERN eUROGEN and ERN ERNICA, the European Reference Network for rare Inherited and Congenital (digestive and gastrointestinal) Anomalies, overlap in clinical scope for Hirschsprung’s disease and Anorectal Malformations. ERN eUROGEN covers Anorectal Malformations, while ERN ERNICA addresses Hirschsprung’s disease. ERN ERNICA’s coverage for Hirschsprung’s is available on their website. The information video below was produced by ERN eUROGEN in coooperation with Erasmus MC. It was funded by the European Union.
Workstream 1: Rare congenital uro-recto-genital anomalies
Leads
EA 1.1 Complex genital reconstructions (DSDs)
Definition
Differences in sex development (DSD) is a term used to describe a group of congenital conditions in which an individual’s biological sex does not fully align with typical male or female development. DSD can involve differences in chromosomal sex, gonadal sex (the presence of testes or ovaries), hormonal sex (the levels of male or female hormones), or genital sex (the appearance of external genitalia). These variations can result in a wide range of phenotypes, from individuals with typical male or female characteristics to individuals with ambiguous genitalia or atypical reproductive systems. DSD can be caused by genetic mutations, hormonal imbalances, or environmental factors, and the condition may be diagnosed prenatally or at birth. Treatment may involve medical or surgical interventions, depending on the specific condition and the individual’s needs. DSD affects a small percentage of the population and can have significant social and psychological implications for affected individuals and their families.
Conditions & Codes
EAC, Vice-EAC & ePAG
Healthcare Providers
AT Linz Ordensklinikum, DE Munich LMUK, DE Leipzig UK, DE Mannheim UK, DE Tübingen UK, DE Ulm UK, DK Aarhus DNU, DK Copenhagen Rigshospitalet, ES Barcelona Sant Joan, ES Barcelona Vall d’Hebron, ES Madrid La Paz, ES Barcelona Fundació Puigvert, FI Helsinki HUS, FR Paris Necker, FR Paris Robert-Debré, IT Padua AOU, IT Bologna AOU, IT Rome Bambino Gesu, LT Vilnius SK, LV Riga BKU, NL Rotterdam Erasmus, NL Nijmegen Radboudumc, PL Gdansk MUG, PL Krakow USD, SE Stockholm Karolinska, SE Gothenburg Sahlgrenska, SE Uppsala Akademiska
Additional Resources
Information Video
EA 1.2 Bladder exstrophy/epispadias
Definition
Bladder exstrophy is a congenital abnormality in which the bladder is exposed outside of the body, as the pelvic bones and muscles that usually support it do not properly form. This can lead to a variety of associated anomalies, including problems with bladder function and urination, as well as genital and reproductive abnormalities. Bladder exstrophy is a complex condition that may require multiple surgeries and a team approach for comprehensive care.
Conditions & Codes
EAC, Vice-EAC & ePAG
Healthcare Providers
AT Linz Ordensklinikum, BE Ghent UZ, BE Leuven UZ, CZ Prague VFN, DE Munich LMUK, DE Leipzig UK, DE Mannheim UK, DE Regensburg UK, DE Tübingen UK, DE Ulm UK, DK Aarhus DNU, DK Copenhagen Rigshospitalet, ES Barcelona Sant Joan, ES Madrid La Paz, ES Barcelona Fundació Puigvert, FR Paris Necker, FR Paris Robert-Debré, IT Padua AOU, IT Milan Policlinico, IT Rome Bambino Gesu, LT Vilnius SK, LV Riga BKUS, NL Nijmegen Radboudumc, NL Utrecht UMC, PL Gdansk MUG, SE Stockholm Karolinska, SE Gothenburg Sahlgrenska, SE Uppsala Akademiska
Additional Resources
Patient Journey (Click here to download as a PDF)
Bladder-Exstrophy-Patient-Journey-October-2020
EA 1.3 Rare urological stone & kidney diseases
Definition
Rare urological stone and kidney diseases refer to a group of conditions affecting the urinary system and kidneys that are relatively uncommon and may be difficult to diagnose and treat. These conditions can include rare types of kidney stones, as well as rare genetic or metabolic disorders that affect kidney function. Treatment for rare urological stone and kidney diseases may involve a combination of medical management, dietary changes, and surgical interventions, depending on the specific condition and the individual’s needs. Due to their rarity, these conditions may require specialized care from healthcare providers with expertise in rare urological and kidney disorders.
Conditions & Codes
EAC & Vice-EAC
Healthcare Providers
AT Linz Ordensklinikum, BE Leuven UZ, DE Munich LMUK, DE Leipzig UK, DE Mannheim UK, DK Copenhagen Rigshospitalet, ES Barcelona Fundació Puigvert, FR Paris Robert-Debré, LV Riga BKUS, NL Nijmegen Radboudumc, PL Gdansk MUG
Additional Resources
EA 1.4 Non-syndromic urogenital tract malformation
Definition
Non-syndromic urogenital tract malformations refer to a group of congenital anomalies affecting the development of the urinary and/or reproductive systems that are not associated with any known genetic syndromes. These malformations can involve various parts of the urinary and/or reproductive tract, such as the kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra, or genitals, and can present with a range of symptoms and severity levels. Diagnosis of non-syndromic urogenital tract malformations may involve imaging studies, genetic testing, and other diagnostic tests, and treatment may involve medical management, surgical interventions, or a combination of both. The cause of many non-syndromic urogenital tract malformations is not well understood, but may involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Conditions & Codes
EAC & Vice-EAC
Healthcare Providers
AT Linz Ordensklinikum, BE Antwerp UZ, BE Leuven UZ, DE Munich LMUK, DE Leipzig UK, DE Mannheim UK, DE Regensburg UK, DE Tübingen UK, DE Ulm UK, DK Aarhus DNU, DK Copenhagen Rigshospitalet, ES Barcelona Sant Joan, ES Barcelona Vall d’Hebron, ES Madrid La Paz, ES Barcelona Fundació Puigvert, FI Helsinki HUS, FR Paris Necker, FR Paris Robert-Debré, IT Bergamo Papa Giovanni XXIII, IT Padua AOU, IT Turin AOU, IT Milan Policlinico, IT Rome Bambino Gesu, LT Vilnius SK, LV Riga BKUS, NL Rotterdam Erasmus, NL Nijmegen Radboudumc, NL Utrecht UMC, PL Gdansk MUG, PL Krakow USD, SE Stockholm Karolinska, SE Gothenburg Sahlgrenska, SE Lund SUS, SE Uppsala Akademiska
Additional Resources
Patient Journey (Click here to download as a PDF)
Spina Bifida Patient Journey
EA 1.5 Posterior urethral valves
Definition
Posterior urethral valves (PUV) are a congenital abnormality affecting the male urinary tract where there are thin membranes or folds of tissue located in the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. These valves can obstruct or partially block the flow of urine out of the bladder, causing urinary tract problems and potentially leading to bladder and kidney damage if left untreated. PUV is typically diagnosed in male infants and may present with symptoms such as a weak urinary stream, urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence, and abdominal distension. Treatment may involve surgical correction of the valves to improve urine flow and prevent complications.
Conditions & Codes
EAC & Vice-EAC
Healthcare Providers
AT Linz Ordensklinikum, BE Antwerp UZ, BE Leuven UZ, CZ Prague VFN, DE Mannheim UK, DE Regensburg UK, DE Ulm UK, DE Hamburg-Eppendorf UK, DK Aarhus DNU, DK Copenhagen Rigshospitalet, ES Barcelona Sant Joan, ES Barcelona Vall d’Hebron, ES Madrid La Paz, ES Barcelona Fundació Puigvert. FI Helsinki HUS. FR Paris Necker, FR Paris Robert-Debré, IT Bergamo Papa Giovanni XXIII, IT Bologna AOU, IT Milan Policlinico, LT Vilnius SK, LV Riga BKUS, NL Rotterdam Erasmus, NL Nijmegen Radboudumc, NL Utrecht UMC, PL Gdansk MUG, PL Krakow USD, SE Stockholm Karolinska, SE Gothenburg Sahlgrenska, SE Lund SUS, SE Uppsala Akademiska
Additional Resources
EA 1.6 Posterior hypospadias
Definition
Hypospadias is a congenital abnormality of the male external genitalia where the urethral opening is located on the underside of the penis instead of the tip. Posterior hypospadias specifically refers to a form of hypospadias where the urethral opening is located closer to the scrotum, closer to the base of the penis, or in the perineum (the area between the scrotum and anus). In posterior hypospadias, the degree of abnormality is more severe than in other forms of hypospadias, and surgical correction may be necessary to improve urination, sexual function, and cosmetic appearance. The condition is typically diagnosed soon after birth and may be associated with other birth defects or genetic syndromes.
Conditions & Codes
EAC & Vice-EAC
Healthcare Providers
AT Linz Ordensklinikum, BE Antwerp UZ, BE Leuven UZ, CZ Prague VFN, DE Mannheim UK, DE Regensburg UK, DE Tübingen UK, DE Ulm UK, DE Hamburg-Eppendorf UK, DK Aarhus DNU, DK Copenhagen Rigshospitalet, ES Barcelona Sant Joan, ES Barcelona Vall d’Hebron, ES Madrid La Paz, ES Barcelona Fundació Puigvert, FI Helsinki HUS, FR Paris Robert-Debré, IT Bergamo Papa Giovanni XXIII, IT Padua AOU, IT Bologna AOU, IT Milan Policlinico, IT Rome Bambino Gesu, LT Vilnius SK, LV Riga BKUS, NL Nijmegen Radboudumc, NL Utrecht UMC, PL Gdansk MUG, PL Krakow USD, SE Stockholm Karolinska, SE Gothenburg Sahlgrenska, SE Lund SUS, SE Uppsala Akademiska
Additional Resources
EA 1.7 Urorectal/anorectal malformations
Definition
Urorectal/anorectal malformations refer to a group of congenital anomalies affecting the development of the urinary and/or digestive systems, resulting in abnormalities in the way urine and faeces are eliminated from the body. These malformations can involve various parts of the urinary and/or digestive tract, such as the bladder, urethra, genital organs, rectum, and anus. Urorectal/anorectal malformations are typically diagnosed soon after birth and may require surgical intervention to correct. The severity and specific type of urorectal malformation can vary widely, and some cases may be associated with other birth defects or genetic syndromes.
Conditions & Codes
EAC, Vice-EAC & ePAGs
Healthcare Providers
BE Antwerp UZ, BE Leuven UZ, DE Berlin Charité, DE Munich LMUK, DE Bremen-Mitte Klinik, DE Leipzig UK, DE Mannheim UK, DE Aachen UK, DK Aarhus DNU, DK Copenhagen Rigshospitalet, ES Barcelona Sant Joan, ES Madrid La Paz, ES Barcelona Fundació Puigvert, FI Helsinki HUS, FR Paris Necker, IT Bergamo Papa Giovanni XXIII, IT Padua AOU, IT Bologna AOU, IT Milan Policlinico, IT Rome Bambino Gesu, LT Vilnius SK, LV Riga BKUS, NL Amsterdam AMC, NL Groningen UMC, NL Rotterdam Erasmus, NL Nijmegen Radboudumc, PL Gdansk MUG, PL Krakow USD, SE Stockholm Karolinska, SE Gothenburg Sahlgrenska, SE Lund SUS
Additional Resources
Patient Journey (Click here to download as a pdf)
ARM-Patient-Journey
General Resources