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Trimethoprim-sulphadiazine prophylaxis in children with vesico-ureteric reflux

E Hanson1, S Hansson, U Jodal

  • 1Department of Paediatric Surgery, University of Göteborg, Sweden.

Insights

Long-term low-dose co-trimazine effectively prevented urinary tract infections in children with dilated vesico-ureteric reflux. This prophylaxis was particularly successful in boys, with no breakthrough infections observed.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in children with vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR).
  • Recurrent UTIs can lead to renal scarring and long-term kidney damage.
  • Prophylaxis is often used to prevent UTIs in high-risk pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of long-term, low-dose co-trimazine prophylaxis.
  • To assess the rate of breakthrough urinary tract infections in children with dilated VUR.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 55 children diagnosed with dilated vesico-ureteric reflux.
  • Administration of low-dose co-trimazine (1-2 mg trimethoprim and 4.5-9 mg sulphadiazine per kg body weight) for long-term prophylaxis.
  • Monitoring for breakthrough urinary tract infections and recording recurrence rates.

Main Results:

  • In 44 girls, 13 experienced breakthrough UTIs, predominantly caused by resistant bacteria and of pyelonephritic type.
  • The UTI recurrence rate in girls was 1.5 per 100 treatment months.
  • In 11 boys, no breakthrough infections occurred over 311 treatment months.

Conclusions:

  • Long-term, low-dose co-trimazine is an effective preventative strategy for UTIs in children with dilated VUR.
  • The drug demonstrated significant efficacy in preventing infections in this high-risk pediatric group.
  • Boys with VUR showed a particularly favorable response to co-trimazine prophylaxis.

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