The clinical diagnosis and management of urinary tract infections in children and adolescents

Paediatr Int Child Health. 2017 Nov;37(4):273-279. doi: 10.1080/20469047.2017.1382046. Epub 2017 Oct 5.

Abstract

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most common and serious bacterial infections encountered by paediatricians and primary care physicians. Although the diagnosis and management of UTI appear simplistic, they remain among the most contentious issues in paediatrics. In part, UTI controversies stem from the absence of classic clinical symptoms, inappropriate urine specimen collection, modified urinary tract imaging recommendations, and diverse treatment and prevention strategies. Recently published guidelines and large clinical trials have attempted to clarify UTI diagnostic and management strategies. In this manuscript, we review the diagnosis and management of acute and recurrent UTI in the paediatric and adolescent populations.

Keywords: Urinary tract infection; cystitis; diagnosis; management; nephrology; paediatrics; pyelonephritis; urology.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antibiotic Prophylaxis
  • Bacteriological Techniques / methods
  • Child
  • Disease Management*
  • Humans
  • Secondary Prevention
  • Specimen Handling / methods
  • Urinary Tract Infections / diagnosis*
  • Urinary Tract Infections / diagnostic imaging
  • Urinary Tract Infections / drug therapy*
  • Urinary Tract Infections / pathology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents