Comparison of Primary and Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Children

Aim We aimed to compare the demographic and ultrasound data regarding first-episode urinary tract infections with recurrent infections in children. Methods A total of 509 children aged 0-16 years who were diagnosed to have a urinary tract infection (UTI) as confirmed with positive urinary culture tests were retrospectively investigated. A comparison of baseline parameters, responsible pathogen incidences, and ultrasound findings was made between children who had a single episode of UTI (n=418, 82.1%) with those having second or more recurrent episodes of urinary tract infection (n=91, 17.9%). Results The mean age of children with a single episode of urinary tract infection was significantly lower than those who had recurrent urinary tract infection (5.33±4.38 vs. 7.01±4.83 years, p=0.003). Incidences of Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis was significantly higher in patients with recurrent urinary tract infection than those who had single episode (n=315, 75.4% vs. n=80, 87.9%, p=0.009 and n=8, 1.9% vs. n=9, 9.9%, p<0.001, respectively). An abnormal ultrasound was significantly more common in patients with recurrent urinary tract infection than those who had a single episode (n=41, 54.6% vs. n=59, 22.7%). Increased renal parenchymal echogenicity (p=0.002), bladder cystitis (p=0.01) and hydronephrosis (p<0.001) were significantly more common in patients with recurrent urinary tract infection than those who had a single episode of urinary tract infection. Conclusion Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis were the most common responsible pathogens in recurrent urinary tract infections. Structural changes, such as hydronephrosis and bladder cystitis, are likely to have an important role in the etiology of children with recurrent urinary tract infection.