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Epidemiology of urinary tract infections and vesico-ureteral reflux in children
G Messi1, L Peratoner, L Paduano
1Servizio di Pronto Soccorso e I. Accoglimento, Istituto per l'Infanzia di Trieste, Italy.
Insights
This study assessed urinary tract infection (UTI) and vesico-ureteral reflux (VUR) in children aged 0-14 in Trieste. Early diagnosis led to a low incidence of renal scarring, highlighting the importance of prompt detection.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Infectious Diseases
- Urology
Background:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and vesico-ureteral reflux (VUR) are common pediatric conditions.
- Early detection and management are crucial to prevent long-term renal complications.
- Understanding regional incidence rates is vital for public health planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of symptomatic UTIs and VUR in children (0-14 years) in the Trieste area.
- To analyze the relationship between UTI, VUR, age, and infection level (cystitis vs. pyelonephritis).
- To evaluate the rate of renal scarring in the studied pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- A prospective survey utilizing a standardized urinary infection protocol was conducted from 1979 to 1983.
- Data collection focused on symptomatic UTIs and diagnosed VUR in pediatric residents of the Trieste area.
- Incidence rates were calculated, stratified by sex, age, and infection severity.
Main Results:
- The overall incidence of symptomatic UTI was 1.38%, with higher rates in females (2.36%) than males (0.46%).
- Vesico-ureteral reflux (VUR) incidence was 0.25%, with a 4:1 female-to-male ratio.
- Renal scarring incidence was notably low, attributed to early diagnosis and intervention.
Conclusions:
- Early diagnosis of UTIs and VUR in pediatric populations is effective in preventing renal scarring.
- Significant sex-based differences exist in UTI and VUR incidence.
- Age at diagnosis and infection level influence disease presentation and outcomes.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of symptomatic urinary tract infection (U.T.I.) and malformations, such as vesico-ureteral reflux (V.U.R.), in the Trieste area. Data were collected in the framework of a survey based on the application of a protocol on urinary infections between 1979 and 1983. The U.T.I. incidence was found to be 1.38% of the 0-14-year-old residents, with a higher frequency in females (2.36%) than in males (0.46%). As regards V.U.R., the incidence in the population studied turned out to be 0.25%, with a females/males ratio of 4:1. Striking differences in incidence data were observed according to the age of U.T.I. and V.U.R. diagnosis and to the infection level (cystitis or pyelonephritis). The incidence of renal scarring resulted to be extremely low, which can be ascribed to the early diagnosis in our cases.