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Published on: August 22, 2012
Urinary schistosomiasis in children in the United Kingdom
Abid Qazi1, Jens Stahlschmidt, Ramnath Subramaniam
1Department of Paediatric Urology, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Great George Street, Leeds LS1 3EX, United Kingdom.
Insights
Urinary schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection, can cause painless hematuria. Early recognition and awareness are crucial, especially in non-endemic regions, to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary procedures.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Urinary schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection caused by Schistosoma haematobium.
- It is endemic in parts of Africa and the Middle East.
- Diagnosis can be challenging in non-endemic areas.
Observation:
- Two patients presented with persistent painless hematuria.
- Symptoms were similar and occurred within a short timeframe.
- Initial presentation mimicked more serious urological conditions.
Findings:
- Diagnosis was confirmed using ultrasound, cystoscopic biopsies, and histology.
- Both patients received treatment with praziquantel.
- Praziquantel is an effective anthelminthic medication for schistosomiasis.
Implications:
- Painless hematuria in non-endemic areas may indicate urinary schistosomiasis.
- Awareness of the disease is vital for clinicians.
- Thorough patient history and knowledge of endemic diseases can prevent invasive investigations.
Abstract:
We report on two patients with urinary schistosomiasis, who both presented within a fortnight to our hospital with similar symptoms of persistent painless haematuria. Ultrasound, cystoscopic biopsies and histology were used to confirm diagnosis. Treatment with praziquantel was given. Symptoms of urinary schistosomiasis can easily be missed in non-endemic areas and possibly confused with a more sinister pathology. A thorough history and awareness of disease can avoid interventional investigations.
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