[Urinary tract infection in childhood--a review. 1: Diagnosis]

Abstract

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are common in childhood. About 10% of children with UTI develop renal scars. Main risk factors for development of pyelonephritic scarring are obstructive malformations, vesicoureteric reflux, young age and delayed or insufficient therapy. Thus, in infants with fever one should always think of pyelonephritis. The most important objective in the management of children with UTI is the prevention of kidney damage. An early and correct diagnosis is necessary. The localisation of UTI and search for risk factors by imaging diagnostic techniques is the basis for specific therapy and follow-up. The present paper gives recommendations for the diagnostic procedure in children with UTI.