Urinary tract infection: the urological perspective

Urinary tract infection in babies often presents with non specific symptoms and signs. It must be considered in the differential diagnosis of a febrile sick baby or any baby with failure to thrive. In a significant proportion of babies with recurrent urinary tract infection, urological abnormality is demonstrable. The diagnosis of urinary tract infection is confirmed by the presence of pus cells and growth of microorganism in a fresh urine specimen. The voidoing history and detailed ultrasound examination in the baby including a post void evaluation of the upper and lower urinary tract can lead to the possible diagnosis in the majority. Antibiotic therapy for urinary tract infection should be followed by consideration about the need for urinary drainage at the appropriate level, particularly in cases where resolution is delayed despite antibiotics. There is a role for prophylactic antibiotics after the resolution of acute infection, at least until detailed evaluation several weeks after the acute episode, has excluded any abnormality. Micturating cytourethrogram is usually done under antibiotic cover and better done in centres with facility for fluoroscopic examination. Isotope studies have to be evaluated in the light of inherent limitations. Transient urodynamic abnormality of the urinary bladder in infancy is being increasingly recognized and should be the subject of evaluation in specific circumstances. A multidisciplinary team improves the quality of investigations, subsequent interpretation and long term care of these children. A large majority of urological abnormality in infancy and early childhood can be effectively managed by endocopic procedures. Temporary urinary diversion may be required in a small proportion. Urological reconstruction should be approached with caution, after a detailed analysis of the evolving urological tract in a baby. An aggressive approach to early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of urinary tract infection and any underlying abnormality, has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of chronic renal failure in long term longitudinal studies in children.