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Hematuria in adolescents.
Carrie Gordon1, F Bruder Stapleton
1Division of Pediatric Nephrology, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Barbara Bush Children's Hospital, Maine Medical Center 887 Congress Street, Suite 320, Portland, ME 04102, USA.
Adolescent Medicine Clinics
|April 23, 2005
Summary
Microscopic hematuria is common in adolescents and often requires no intervention. However, gross hematuria or hematuria with other symptoms warrants further investigation for genitourinary disease.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Urology
Background:
- Hematuria, the presence of red blood cells (RBCs) in urine, is a frequent finding in adolescents.
- Microscopic hematuria is particularly common due to numerous potential causes.
Observation:
- Adolescents with gross hematuria, proteinuria, or symptomatic microscopic hematuria are more likely to need treatment.
- Screening for hematuria lacks evidence-based support.
Findings:
- Persistent microscopic hematuria in asymptomatic individuals may not necessitate further workup.
- Renal ultrasound is a low-risk, valuable tool for diagnosing conditions requiring intervention.
- Serum studies provide limited utility in evaluating microscopic hematuria.
Implications:
- A systematic, evidence-based approach to isolated hematuria can reduce patient anxiety and healthcare costs.
- This approach ensures that treatable or progressive conditions are not missed.