Urinary tract infections in children

Abstract

Purpose of review: To gain new insights into the epidemiology, imaging and conservative management of urinary tract infections based on the peer-reviewed literature of the last year.

Recent findings: It has been estimated that 3% of prepubertal girls and 1% of prepubertal boys are diagnosed with urinary tract infections. Breastfeeding has been shown to offer significant protection against urinary tract infection in infants. Any young child with an acute pyelonephritis should be evaluated by dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scan to confirm or rule out renal scarring. The voiding cystourethrogram can be performed within the first 7 days of diagnosis. Amoxicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and cephalosporin are the first-line antibiotics to treat children with uncomplicated urinary tract infection.

Summary: The incidence of urinary tract infections during infancy and childhood is high and influenced by the age and sex of the patient. Voiding cystourethrogram and dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scan are required for imaging. Short-course treatment is sufficient for children with acute uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections.