Management of Pediatric Urinary Tract Infections: A Delphi Study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Infectious Diseases
• Clinical Management of Urinary Tract Infections
• Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are highly prevalent in children, contributing significantly to antibiotic use and hospitalizations.
• Current pediatric UTI management faces challenges due to evolving antimicrobial resistance patterns and clinical practice variations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate consensus on pediatric UTI management within the Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy.
• To assess the need for updating current clinical recommendations for pediatricians and pediatric surgeons based on recent literature.
• To provide standardized, evidence-based guidelines for managing pediatric UTIs and optimizing antibiotic stewardship.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on pediatric UTI management.
• Consensus-building among primary care pediatricians, hospital pediatricians, and pediatric surgeons.
• Development of updated clinical recommendations and statements.

Main Results:

• The study generated a comprehensive and up-to-date collection of statements on pediatric UTI management procedures.
• The consensus aims to guide physicians, standardize clinical approaches, and prevent antibiotic overuse and misuse.

Conclusions:

• Updated guidelines are proposed to standardize pediatric UTI management and address antimicrobial resistance.
• Further randomized controlled trials are necessary to refine therapeutic strategies, particularly concerning antimicrobial resistance and long-term antibiotic prophylaxis efficacy in children.