Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026
Establishment and Characterization of UTI and CAUTI in a Mouse Model
Published on: June 23, 2015
[Urinary tract infections in children]
S Iacobelli1, F Bonsante, J-P Guignard
1Service de pédiatrie 2, centre hospitalier universitaire, 2, boulevard du Maréchal-de-Lattre-de-Tassigny, 21000 Dijon, France.
Insights
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in children, often presenting atypically in younger patients. Prompt diagnosis and treatment, including imaging and antibiotics, are crucial for favorable outcomes, especially when urological abnormalities are present.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Pediatric Urology
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are frequent in children, with atypical symptoms more common in younger age groups.
- UTIs in children are frequently associated with underlying urological issues like vesico-ureteral reflux or obstruction.
- The presence of urological abnormalities significantly impacts the prognosis of pediatric UTIs.
Purpose:
- To outline the diagnostic and management strategies for urinary tract infections in children.
- To emphasize the importance of appropriate imaging studies in infected children.
- To discuss treatment approaches based on UTI complexity and associated urological findings.
Summary:
- Appropriate imaging is recommended for all infected children to identify potential uropathies.
- Uncomplicated UTIs require short-term treatment, while recurrent UTIs or those with vesico-ureteral reflux may need prophylactic chemotherapy.
- Acute pyelonephritis necessitates immediate antibiotic treatment, preferably IV, with a potential switch to oral medication post-antibiogram.
- Surgery is reserved for major urological malformations.
- Neonatal UTIs pose significant risks and warrant management in specialized centers.
Impact:
- Early and appropriate management of pediatric UTIs can prevent complications such as pyelonephritic scars and kidney scarring.
- Timely intervention improves outcomes for children with uncomplicated and complicated UTIs.
- Adherence to recommended treatment protocols, including follow-up urine cultures, is vital for effective UTI management in children.
Abstract:
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is relatively frequent in children. The younger the child is, the more symptoms are atypical. UTI is often associated with functional or malformative uropathy, such as vesico-ureteral reflux or obstruction. Appropriate imaging studies should be carried out in every infected child. The prognosis of uncomplicated UTI is very good, but is less favorable when the UTI is associated with urological abnormalities. Development of pyelonephritic scars can lead to kidney scarring, for which the occurrence of intrarenal reflux is probably responsible . Short-term treatment is recommended for uncomplicated UTI. Uncomplicated UTI with frequent relapses requires prophylactic chemotherapy; this treatment should also be considered when UTI is associated with vesico-ureteral reflux. Surgery is indicated in the presence of major urological malformations. Whether medical or surgical, the treatment of UTI should be followed by urine cultures whenever the child presents with fever. The antibiotic treatment of acute pyelonephritis must be started immediately, preferentially by intravenous route. A switch to oral treatment can be made after obtaining the results of the antibiogram. UTI represents a major risk in neonates; it should preferably be managed in specialized centers.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Urinary Tract Infection I: Introduction
01:30Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
01:25Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology
01:17Urinary Tract Infection IV: Nursing Management
01:28Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract
01:20Disorders of the Urinary System
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common urinary system disorders. They are caused by bacteria that enter the urethra and can spread to the bladder resulting in cystitis. Pyelonephritis is the result of a UTI that has ascended to the level of the...