Repeat testing for haematuria and underlying urological pathology

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Nephrology
• Oncology

Background:

• Haematuria is a common presenting symptom requiring investigation.
• Patients with resolved haematuria symptoms may still have underlying urological conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence of urological pathology in patients investigated for haematuria whose symptoms had resolved.
• To evaluate the necessity of full urological assessment despite symptom resolution.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of examination results from 395 patients (198 men, 197 women) with a mean age of 51 years, referred for haematuria investigation.
• Patients presented with haematuria, but symptoms had resolved by the time of investigation.

Main Results:

• In 56% of patients (220/395), haematuria was not detected upon investigation.
• Despite no detectable haematuria, 51% of these patients (113/220) had urological pathology.
• Of those with pathology and no detectable haematuria, 14% (16/113) had urinary tract malignancy.

Conclusions:

• The presence of haematuria, even in a single urine specimen, necessitates a comprehensive urological evaluation.
• Relying solely on symptom resolution or repeat urine analysis to exclude significant pathology is insufficient.
• Urgent investigation is warranted for patients presenting with haematuria, irrespective of symptom persistence.