Indications for investigation of the urinary tract in the newborn

Abstract

The urinary tract in the newborn may require investigation for a number of reasons. The urinary tract is the commonest system in which abnormalities are detected during antenatal ultrasonography (USS). The majority will have isolated hydronephrosis, with mild dilatation detected in as many as 1:100 pregnancies. Others will have more significant urological abnormalities thus investigation of the urinary tract is indicated to interpret the antenatal USS findings. Investigation is also indicated for those neonates presenting with urinary tract related symptoms. Equally, in neonates presenting with non-specific symptoms such as failure to thrive, poor feeding or prolonged jaundice, urinary tract pathology should be considered. Finally, there are neonates with congenital anomalies or syndromes with known associated uropathies who require further investigation. The range of such conditions or syndromes in which the urinary tract may be involved is extensive.