Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 7, 2025
03:19
Author Spotlight: Developing a Bedside Protocol for Kidney and Genitourinary Ultrasonography
Published on: June 21, 2024
1.3K
[Pediatric renal abscesses: a diagnostic challenge]
Martha Jiménez1, Macarena Gajardo1, Lillian Bolte1
1Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
Andes Pediatrica : Revista Chilena De Pediatria
|June 23, 2022
Summary
Pediatric kidney abscess, often presenting with fever and dysuria, is typically treated with antibiotics, with few cases needing surgical drainage. Early detection of factors like vesicoureteral reflux and bladder/bowel dysfunction is crucial for managing sequelae.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Pediatric Urology
Background:
- Kidney abscess is a rare pediatric condition with limited clinical data.
- Understanding its characteristics is vital for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and treatment of kidney abscess in a pediatric cohort.
- To identify associated urological conditions and long-term renal outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 20 children diagnosed with kidney abscess over a 10-year period.
- Evaluation of clinical, laboratory, imaging findings, and treatment modalities.
Main Results:
- Fever, vomiting, and dysuria were common symptoms; Escherichia coli was the predominant pathogen.
- Kidney ultrasound and CT scans were primary diagnostic tools.
- Most patients (95%) responded to antibiotic therapy alone; vesicoureteral reflux and bladder/bowel dysfunction were noted in specific subgroups.
- Renal scarring was observed in 44% of patients undergoing DMSA scintigraphy.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric kidney abscess often requires prolonged antibiotic treatment and rarely surgical intervention.
- Investigating modifiable factors like vesicoureteral reflux and bladder/bowel dysfunction is recommended.
- Assessing for renal parenchymal damage is essential for comprehensive patient care.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
35
Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
35
01:30Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
56
Accurate diagnosis and effective prevention are critical in managing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), which is linked to high mortality rates ranging from 10% to 80%. Timely recognition of at-risk patients and careful monitoring can significantly reduce the likelihood of kidney damage.Diagnostic Assessments:The diagnostic process starts with a comprehensive medical history to identify prerenal, intrarenal, and postrenal causes.Prerenal causes, such as dehydration, hypotension, or blood loss, should...
56
01:27Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction
41
Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the renal parenchyma and collecting system, including the renal pelvis, tubules, and interstitial tissue of one or both kidneys. It can be classified as either acute—a sudden, severe infection—or chronic, which refers to long-term or recurrent kidney infections.The primary cause of acute pyelonephritis (APN) is bacterial infection, with Escherichia coli accounting for approximately 70-80% of cases. Other bacteria, such...
41
01:30Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
33
A healthcare provider can diagnose a urinary tract infection (UTI) through several methods:Medical History and Symptoms: The provider will take a detailed medical history and ask about symptoms such as frequent urination, burning sensation during urination, and lower abdominal pain.Urinalysis: A clean-catch urine sample is collected in a sterile container and tested for the presence of bacteria, white blood cells (leukocytes), nitrites, blood, and protein. The presence of leukocytes and...
33
01:26Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System II: Inspection and Palpation
218
The nursing assessment of the genitourinary (GU) system involves a systematic inspection and palpation to identify abnormalities in the kidneys, bladder, and surrounding structures.InspectionMouth: Inspect for signs of kidney dysfunction, such as stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth) and ammonia breath, which may occur in advanced kidney disease due to the buildup of urea, breaking down into ammonia.Skin: Check for pallor, which could indicate anemia caused by kidney disease. Look for...
218
01:22Imaging Studies V: Intravenous Urography and Retrograde Pyelography
139
IntroductionIntravenous Urography (IVU) and Retrograde Pyelography (RP) are important diagnostic imaging techniques used to evaluate the urinary system. These methods help identify structural abnormalities, obstructions, and functional issues in the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. Both procedures use iodine-based contrast media to enhance the visibility of urinary tract structures on X-ray images, though they differ in their methods and indications.1. Intravenous Urography (IVU)Intravenous...
139