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Diaper type as a risk factor in urinary tract infection of children
Alireza Fahimzad1, Masoomeh Taherian, Reza Dalirani
1Pediatric Infectious Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
Insights
Superabsorbent diapers may increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTI) in infant girls. This study found a higher frequency of superabsorbent diaper use in girls with UTI compared to controls.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Urology
Background:
- Urinary tract infections (UTI) are common in children under two.
- Several risk factors contribute to pediatric UTI, some are known, others are not.
- The role of diaper type in pediatric UTI requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between diaper type and UTI in infant girls.
- To determine if superabsorbent diapers are a risk factor for UTI in this population.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted with hospitalized infant girls under two.
- Cases had their first UTI; controls were hospitalized for other reasons.
- Diaper types (superabsorbent, standard disposable, washable cotton) were compared between groups matched for age and other UTI risk factors.
Main Results:
- 59 matched pairs of infant girls were analyzed.
- Superabsorbent diaper use was significantly more frequent in girls with UTI (OR=3.29, P=0.005).
- No significant differences were found in diaper usage frequency, change time, or socioeconomic factors.
Conclusions:
- Superabsorbent diaper use may be a risk factor for UTI in infant girls.
- Further research is warranted to confirm this association and explore underlying mechanisms.
Objective:
Urinary tract is one of the most common sources of infection in children under the age of two years. Many known and unknown risk factors predispose to this important disease in children. This study was conducted to determine whether using a specific type of diaper plays a role in urinary tract infection (UTI) in girls under the age of 2 years.
Methods:
This case control study was performed in hospitalized children; girls with their first urinary tract infection were selected as cases, and those admitted for other reasons comprised the control group. Two groups were matched for age (±1 month), and other known risk factors for UTI. Type of diapers (superabsorbent, standard disposable and washable cotton), used for these children during six months, from October 2007 to March 2008, were compared in both groups.
Findings:
59 matched pair infant girls less than 2 years were selected. It was revealed that in cases with UTI superabsorbent diapers were used more frequently than in controls (Odds ratio=3.29, P-value=0.005) There were no significant differences in other factors like number of diapers used per day, the time between defecation and diaper change, mothers' educational level, level of family income and mother's occupation.
Conclusion:
The use of superabsorbent diapers could be a risk factor for urinary tract infection in infant girls.
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