Hirschsprung's disease and urinary tract infection: unrecognized association

Nephron
|January 1, 1986
PubMed

Insights

Constipation may cause recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in girls. This study found a higher incidence of UTIs in patients with Hirschsprung

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Pediatric Urology

Background:

  • Constipation is frequently linked to recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in pediatric patients.
  • The potential etiologic role of constipation in UTIs warrants further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the incidence of urinary tract infections in children experiencing constipation.
  • To determine if constipating illnesses correlate with an increased occurrence of UTIs.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 146 patients diagnosed with Hirschsprung's disease.
  • Evaluation of urinary tract infection incidence in these patients, both pre- and postoperatively.

Main Results:

  • An increased incidence of urinary tract infections was observed in patients with Hirschsprung's disease.
  • This elevated UTI incidence was noted in both the preoperative and postoperative periods.

Conclusions:

  • Hirschsprung's disease, a condition associated with constipation, is linked to a higher rate of UTIs in children.
  • These findings suggest a significant association between constipation and the development of recurrent UTIs.

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