Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026
Recurrent Escherichia coli Urinary Tract Infection Triggered by Gardnerella vaginalis Bladder Exposure in Mice
Published on: December 4, 2020
Prevention of recurrent urinary tract infection in children
Gabrielle Williams1, Jonathan C Craig
1Centre for Kidney Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Australia. gabriew4@cw.edu.au
Insights
Preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children remains challenging. Evidence for prophylactic antibiotics is limited, and while complementary therapies show promise, conclusive proof is lacking for preventing pediatric UTIs.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Infectious Diseases
- Evidence-Based Medicine
Background:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in children, with significant recurrence rates.
- UTIs present as febrile illnesses, impacting child well-being.
- This review analyzes interventions for UTI prevention in pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review studies published between January 2007 and June 2008.
- To evaluate interventions aimed at preventing urinary tract infections in children.
- To assess the efficacy of prophylactic antibiotics and complementary therapies.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of literature published within a specific timeframe.
- Analysis of updated Cochrane reviews, randomized trials, and evidence-based guidelines.
- Focus on studies including data on pediatric UTI prevention interventions.
Main Results:
- Limited evidence exists for the benefit of prophylactic antibiotics due to trial limitations.
- Complementary therapies like vitamin A, probiotics, and herbal supplements showed potential but were not conclusive.
- Five trials and one Cochrane update provided data on interventions for children.
Conclusions:
- The efficacy of prophylactic antibiotics for preventing recurrent pediatric UTIs is uncertain, with likely minimal clinical benefit.
- Complementary therapies suggest favorable outcomes but require further conclusive research.
- Parents and children should be aware that infections may still occur despite using complementary products.
Purpose Of Review:
Urinary tract infection (UTI) in children is common (5-10%) and recurs in 10-30%. UTI causes an unpleasant, usually febrile illness in children. This review focuses on studies evaluating interventions to prevent UTI in children and published between January 2007 and June 2008.
Recent Findings:
Three relevant updated Cochrane reviews, six randomized trials and an evidence-based guideline were published in the study period. Five of the six trials and one of the three Cochrane updates included data on the effects of relevant interventions in children. Three of the six trials investigated the efficacy of long-term, low-dose antibiotics as prophylaxis, and the other trials and both Cochrane updates evaluated complementary therapies such as vitamin A, probiotics and herbal supplements.
Summary:
The benefit of prophylactic antibiotics for the prevention of recurrent UTI in children remains unclear because of underpowered and suboptimally designed trials, but these studies suggest that any benefit is likely to be small, and clinical significance may be limited. The trials of complementary interventions (vitamin A, probiotics, cranberry, nasturtium and horseradish) generally gave favourable results but were not conclusive. Children and families who use these products should be aware that further infections are possible despite their use.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Urinary Tract Infection IV: Nursing Management
01:30Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
01:28Urinary Tract Calculi V: Nursing Management
01:25Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology
01:26Urinary Tract Infection I: Introduction
01:27Urinary Tract Calculi IV: Nutrition Therapy and Prevention