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Published on: June 21, 2024
Low Risk for Urinary Tract Infection After Voiding Cystography in Children Without Dilated Vesikoureteral Reflux
Emelie Widhe1, Mette Hambraeus1,2, Erik Hedström3,4
1Department of Paediatric Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
Insights
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) after voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) are uncommon in children. However, children with dilating vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) face an increased risk, suggesting a need for targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common complication following voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) in children, with highly variable reported incidence.
- Identifying risk factors for post-VCUG UTIs is crucial for preventing complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the incidence and identify risk factors for UTIs occurring after VCUG in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter retrospective cohort study included 1001 children under 15 years old who underwent VCUG between 2017 and 2022.
- UTIs (lower UTI/cystitis and febrile UTI/pyelonephritis) within 14 days of VCUG were recorded, confirmed by clinical assessment and positive urine culture.
Main Results:
- The overall incidence of post-VCUG UTI was 3.4% (34 children), with 60% occurring within 7 days and 88% being febrile.
- Children with dilating vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) showed a significantly increased risk of post-VCUG UTI (adjusted odds ratio 5.4).
- Pathological findings, including VUR (83%), were present in 47% of the children.
Conclusions:
- The rate of UTIs following VCUG in children is low.
- Dilating VUR is a significant risk factor for post-VCUG UTIs, and targeted interventions in this group may reduce further infections and prevent chronic kidney injury.
Aim:
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common and significant complication after voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) but the reported incidence in children varies highly. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the rate and possible risk factors for UTIs after VCUG.
Method:
A multicentre retrospective cohort study of children < 15 years of age undergoing VCUG between 2017 and 2022 was conducted. Lower UTI (cystitis) and febrile UTI (pyelonephritis) within 14 days of VCUG were registered, defined by clinical assessment and a positive urinary culture.
Results:
One thousand and one examinations were included (median age 1 year, 52% boys). Previous febrile UTI was present in 58%. Pathology was found in 47% of children, of which 83% had vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Post VCUG UTI occurred in 34 (3.4%) children within 14 days, of which 60% were within 7 days and 88% were febrile. Only dilating VUR increased the risk for post VCUG UTI (adjusted odds ratio 5.4 [2.6-8.7] p < 0.001).
Conclusion:
There was a low rate of post VCUG UTIs. Since children with dilated VUR are at risk for chronic kidney injury, targeted interventions after VCUG could possibly lower additional UTIs in this group.
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