Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Assessing Urinary Tract Junction Obstruction Defects by Methylene Blue Dye Injection
06:05

Assessing Urinary Tract Junction Obstruction Defects by Methylene Blue Dye Injection

Published on: October 12, 2017

Probability of urinary tract infection in infants with ureteropelvic junction obstruction: is antibacterial

Ali Islek1, Ayfer Gür Güven, Mustafa Koyun

  • 1Pediatrics, Akdeniz University, 07070 Antalya, Turkey.

Pediatric Nephrology (Berlin, Germany)
|April 27, 2011
PubMed

Insights

In infants with ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO), the risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) is minimal, even with severe hydronephrosis. This study found no UTIs or kidney scarring, suggesting antibiotic prophylaxis is unnecessary for these infants.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Urology
  • Nephrology
  • Infectious Disease

Background:

  • Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is a common congenital anomaly.
  • The risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) in infants with UPJO and the need for antibiotic prophylaxis remain unclear.
  • Prospective studies are lacking to guide clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the incidence of UTI in infants diagnosed with UPJO.
  • To determine if the degree of hydronephrosis influences UTI risk.
  • To evaluate the necessity of antibiotic prophylaxis in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective follow-up of 84 infants with UPJO (diagnosed prenatally or within 28 days of birth) without antibiotic prophylaxis.
  • Standardized imaging protocols, including dimercaptosuccinate (DMSA) scintigraphy at 1-year follow-up.
  • Median follow-up duration of 18 months.

Main Results:

  • No cases of UTI were observed in any of the 84 infants during the median 18-month follow-up period.
  • Dimercaptosuccinate (DMSA) scintigraphy revealed no pyelonephritic scarring in any participant.
  • The incidence of UTI was minimal across all grades of hydronephrosis.

Conclusions:

  • Antibiotic prophylaxis is not indicated for infants with ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO).
  • The risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) is low, irrespective of hydronephrosis severity.
  • This evidence supports a conservative approach, avoiding routine antibiotic use in infants with UPJO.

More Related Videos

Establishment and Characterization of UTI and CAUTI in a Mouse Model08:40

Establishment and Characterization of UTI and CAUTI in a Mouse Model

Published on: June 23, 2015

An In Vitro Bladder Model of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection07:57

An In Vitro Bladder Model of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection

Published on: June 24, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care01:30

Urinary 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...
Urinary Tract Infection IV: Nursing Management01:17

Urinary 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...
Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology01:25

Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of urinary tract infections (UTIs) encompasses several progressive stages, beginning with bacterial colonization and culminating in potential systemic complications if untreated. UTIs are primarily initiated by bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, which often originate from the gastrointestinal tract and migrate to the urinary system through the periurethral area. This migration can occur via several routes, including improper hygiene practices, sexual activity, or...
Urinary Tract Infection I: Introduction01:26

Urinary 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...
Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract01:28

Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract

The human urogenital system, once thought to be sterile in healthy individuals, is now recognized as a complex microbial habitat. Advancements in molecular sequencing techniques have revealed that even in healthy adults, the kidneys and bladder harbor microbial populations similar to those found in the distal urethra, albeit in much lower abundance. These resident microorganisms, while generally innocuous, can become opportunistic pathogens under conditions that alter the urogenital...
Urine Studies II: Urine Culture and Sensitivity Test01:26

Urine 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...