Urinary tract infections in the pediatric population

Urinary tract infections are relatively common in children and are a common etiology of fever with absence of other urinary symptoms. It is prudent that the pediatricians and urologists perform a correct diagnosis to prevent long-term complications of urinary tract infections, particularly renal scaring. The risk factors predisposing to urinary tract infections in children are reviewed. We also review the clinical presentation, diagnosis, evaluation and therapy. Treatment strategies depend on various factors particularly the child's age and severity of illness. Specifications of antibiotics to be used also depend on the age of the patient and the spectrum of the antibiotic, based on the prevalence of organisms at certain ages and in certain situations. Low dose antibiotic prophylaxis, an important aspect of therapy for urinary tract infections in childhood, is described. The goal of therapy should always be directed to prevention of renal scaring and its sequalae including hypertension and renal functional deterioration.