Phase III Study of Chondrocyte Alginate Gel Suspension in Pediatric Patients With Vesicoureteral Reflux

PROTOCOL ENTRY CRITERIA: --Disease Characteristics-- * Confirmed grade 3 or 4 reflux in at least one ureter by voiding cystourethrogram Breakthrough urinary tract infection despite standard antibiotic therapy OR Persistent reflux unlikely to resolve spontaneously * Grade 3: 2 year reflux duration OR 1 breakthrough infection Grade 4: 1 year reflux duration OR 1 breakthrough infection * Coexisting grade 1 or 2 reflux OR Resolved reflux (i.e., contralateral to the existing grade 3 or 4 refluxing ureter) allowed * No reflux secondary to obstruction or neuropathic disease * No gross urological abnormalities (e.g., megaureter requiring ureteral tapering or duplicity of ureters) --Prior/Concurrent Therapy-- * Surgery: No prior surgery for correction of reflux No recent prior urological device implantation --Patient Characteristics-- * Hematopoietic: No history of bleeding disorders * Cardiovascular: No history of hypertension or cardiac disease * Pulmonary: No history of pulmonary disease * Other: No known allergies to contrast dyes, iodine, or shellfish No contraindications to general anesthesia No prior infections (other than UTIs) No immunodeficiencies No metabolic disease No social situation that would interfere with follow up Not pregnant Negative pregnancy test