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Published on: August 5, 2010
Urinary tract infection in children: general practice survey
Insights
Urinary tract infections (UTI) affect 15% of children with infection symptoms. Urine culture is key for diagnosis, and imaging is vital for confirmed UTI cases in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in children.
- Accurate diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of UTI in children presenting with infection symptoms.
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of specific and non-specific symptoms.
- To assess the necessity of radiological investigations in children with confirmed UTI.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 804 children presenting with infection symptoms.
- Urine culture for UTI diagnosis.
- Radiological investigations including micturition cystourethrogram (MCU) and intravenous pyelogram (IVP) for confirmed cases.
Main Results:
- 15% of children had confirmed UTI.
- Only 18% of children with specific urinary symptoms and 8% with non-specific symptoms were infected.
- One-third of children with proven UTI showed abnormalities on MCU or IVP.
Conclusions:
- Urine culture is the definitive method for diagnosing UTI in children.
- Radiological investigation is essential for all children diagnosed with UTI to identify potential abnormalities.
Abstract:
Urinary tract infection was in 15 per cent of 804 children presenting in general practice with symptoms suggestive of infection. Only 18 per cent of children with specific urinary symptoms and eight per cent of those with non specific symptoms were infected. All children with a proven urinary infection were investigated radiologically, and one third of these had an abnormality on a micturition cystourethrogram or intravenous pyelogram. Urine culture is the only way of detecting urinary infection, and radiological investigation is essential in all cases of proven infection.
Related Concept Videos
Urinary Tract Infection I: Introduction
Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology
Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Urinary Tract Infection IV: Nursing Management
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Urine Studies II: Urine Culture and Sensitivity Test

