Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026
08:53
Recurrent Escherichia coli Urinary Tract Infection Triggered by Gardnerella vaginalis Bladder Exposure in Mice
Published on: December 4, 2020
How do Dutch general practitioners diagnose children's urinary tract infections?
Mirjam Harmsen1, René J Wolters, Johannes C van der Wouden
1Radboud Univeristy Nijmegen Medical Centre, Scientific Institute for Qualty of Healthcare, Nijmegen, the Netherlands. m.harmsen@iq.umcn.nl
Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice
|April 16, 2009
Summary
General practitioners frequently used the nitrite test for pediatric urinary tract infections (UTIs), but less often employed recommended dipslide tests. Diagnostic procedures for UTIs in children need improvement for accurate diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- General practice diagnostics
- Urology
Background:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in children.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management and preventing complications.
- Current diagnostic practices in general practice may not align with recommended guidelines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the diagnostic tests used by general practitioners for pediatric UTIs.
- To identify patient characteristics associated with specific test choices.
- To evaluate adherence to recommended diagnostic procedures.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 148 children (0-12 years) diagnosed with UTI across 49 Dutch general practices.
- Analysis of diagnostic tests performed during initial and follow-up contacts.
- Statistical association between patient factors and test selection.
Main Results:
- The nitrite test was used in 87% of initial contacts, while dipslide tests (recommended) were used in less than 30%.
- Dipslide tests were performed in only 26% of children with follow-up contacts.
- Patient age and UTI history influenced the choice of diagnostic tests.
Conclusions:
- Diagnostic procedures for pediatric UTIs in general practice require enhancement.
- Emphasis is needed on accurate UTI diagnosis and consistent application of recommended testing protocols.
- Clearer guidance on test selection and interpretation for general practitioners is essential.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
A healthcare provider can diagnose a urinary tract infection (UTI) through several methods:Medical History and Symptoms: The provider will take a detailed medical history and ask about symptoms such as frequent urination, burning sensation during urination, and lower abdominal pain.Urinalysis: A clean-catch urine sample is collected in a sterile container and tested for the presence of bacteria, white blood cells (leukocytes), nitrites, blood, and protein. The presence of leukocytes and...
01:26Urine Studies II: Urine Culture and Sensitivity Test
A urine culture and sensitivity test is a diagnostic procedure used to identify urinary tract bacterial infections and determine the most effective antibiotics for treatment. This test is generally preferred when a patient shows manifestations of a urinary tract infection, such as frequent or painful urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, or lower abdominal pain.Purpose of the TestThe primary goals of a urine culture and sensitivity test are to:Determine the specific bacteria causing the...
01:28Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
01:26Urinary Tract Infection I: Introduction
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) impact various parts of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. These infections are generally bacterial, with Escherichia coli being the most common causative agent, often originating from the gastrointestinal tract. However, other bacteria, such as Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis, are also known to cause UTIs. The type, location, and underlying complexity of the UTI guide both...
01:22Imaging Studies V: Intravenous Urography and Retrograde Pyelography
IntroductionIntravenous Urography (IVU) and Retrograde Pyelography (RP) are important diagnostic imaging techniques used to evaluate the urinary system. These methods help identify structural abnormalities, obstructions, and functional issues in the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. Both procedures use iodine-based contrast media to enhance the visibility of urinary tract structures on X-ray images, though they differ in their methods and indications.1. Intravenous Urography (IVU)Intravenous...
01:17Urinary Tract Infection IV: Nursing Management
In managing urinary tract infections (UTIs) in nursing, a comprehensive assessment is essential. Begin by gathering subjective data, such as the patient’s complaints of dysuria (painful urination), urinary frequency, urgency, suprapubic pain, and any lower abdominal discomfort. This information can be complemented by questions regarding previous UTIs, sexual activity, and personal hygiene practices, which can provide insight into risk factors. Objective assessment should focus on signs like...