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Predictive factors associated with significant urinary tract abnormalities in infants with pyelonephritis
M E Jantunen1, A Siitonen, M Ala-Houhala
1Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Helsinki, Finland. maria.jantunen@hus.fi
Insights
Infants with acute pyelonephritis (APN) showing specific risk factors like non-E. coli pathogens or abnormal ultrasounds may have underlying urinary tract abnormalities. Early identification is crucial for preventing kidney damage.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Acute pyelonephritis (APN) affects infants, with 20-40% having major urinary tract abnormalities.
- Early detection of structural defects is vital to prevent kidney scarring from reinfection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify predictive factors during the acute phase of APN for existing significant urinary tract abnormalities in infants.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 180 infants (1-24 months) with APN.
- Collection of blood and urine samples.
- Renal ultrasound (US) within 0-6 days of admission, with final diagnosis based on multiple imaging studies.
Main Results:
- Risk factors for abnormalities included non-Escherichia coli pathogens (RR 3.4), positive blood culture (RR 2.3), young age 1-6 months (RR 2.2), lack of papG adhesin genes (RR 2.1), and abnormal renal US (RR 2.0).
Conclusions:
- Infants aged 1-6 months with APN caused by non-E. coli or papG-negative E. coli, positive blood culture, or abnormal renal US have a higher risk.
- These infants require intensified follow-up to manage potential urinary tract abnormalities.
Background:
Major urinary tract abnormalities are detected in 20 to 40% of infants with acute pyelonephritis (APN). Early detection of structural defects is essential for protecting the kidneys from reinfection and subsequent scarring. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether any factors present during the acute phase of infection could predict the presence of existing significant urinary tract abnormalities in infants.
Methods:
A prospective study of 180 infants, aged 1 to 24 months, with APN was conducted. Blood and urine samples were collected. Renal ultrasound (US) was performed within 0 to 6 days from admission. Final diagnosis of the urinary tract anatomy was elucidated using the results of two or more radiologic imaging studies.
Results:
Risk factors for the presence of significant urinary tract abnormalities in infants were pathogens other than Escherichia coli in urine [relative risk (RR) 3.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.2 to 5.3; P = 0.001], positive blood culture (RR 2.3, 95% CI 1.3 to 4.0; P = 0.039), young age (1 to 6 months) (RR 2.2, 95% CI 1.3 to 3.9; P = 0.004), lack of papG adhesin genes of E. coli in urine (RR 2.1, 95% CI 1.2 to 3.9; P = 0.016) and abnormal renal US (RR 2.0, 95% CI 1.2 to 3.4; P = 0.008).
Conclusions:
Infants 1 to 6 months of age with APN caused by bacteria other than E. coli or by papG-negative E. coli strain, positive blood culture and abnormal renal US carry an increased risk for significant urinary tract abnormalities and need enforced follow-up.