Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 2, 2026

Establishment and Characterization of UTI and CAUTI in a Mouse Model
Published on: June 23, 2015
Renal function in acute febrile urinary tract infection in children: pathophysiologic aspects on the reduced
Insights
Acute pyelonephritis in children impairs kidney concentrating ability due to increased blood flow and reduced sodium delivery. Renal function and kidney size normalize post-infection, restoring concentrating capacity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Renal Physiology
Background:
- Acute pyelonephritis is associated with a reduced renal concentrating capacity.
- The underlying mechanisms in pediatric patients require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the renal functional changes, specifically concentrating capacity, in children with acute pyelonephritis.
- To identify the factors contributing to impaired renal function during and after infection.
Main Methods:
- Studied 14 children (5-16 years) with acute pyelonephritis.
- Assessed glomerular filtration rate, renal plasma flow, free water clearance, urinary sodium excretion, and maximal urine osmolality.
- Measurements were taken during infection and within 10 months post-infection.
Main Results:
- Glomerular filtration rate and renal plasma flow were elevated during infection, normalizing post-infection.
- Urinary sodium excretion, distal sodium delivery, and maximal urine osmolality were reduced during infection, improving afterward.
- Kidney size was increased during the acute phase.
Conclusions:
- Reduced concentrating capacity in acute pyelonephritis may result from increased medullary blood flow (washout effect).
- Low distal tubular sodium delivery also contributes to impaired urine concentration.
- Renal function and concentrating ability recover after infection resolution.
Abstract:
In an attempt to elucidate the reduced concentrating capacity in acute pyelonephritis, we studied the renal function in 14 children, 5 to 16 years of age. Clearance of inulin, PAH, and free water, urinary sodium excretion, and maximal urine osmolality after 18 hours of thirst have been determined at and within 10 months after infection. Glomerular filtration rate and renal plasma flow were found to be increased during infection and normalized after infection. Urinary sodium excretion, distal sodium delivery, and maximal urine osmolality were decreased during infection and increased afterwards. Kidney size was also increased during infection. It is postulated that the reduced concentrating capacity is due to a washout effect mediated by an increased medullary blood flow and to a low distal tubular sodium delivery.
Related Concept Videos
Physiology of the Genitourinary System III: Urine Concentration and Dilution
Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology
Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Acute Kidney Injury I: Introduction
Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology

