Urinary Tract Infection USA

Abstract

It is estimated that 7% of girls and 2% of boys under the age of 6 will be diagnosed with UTI. This chapter reviews the presenting symptoms and signs of urinary tract infection as well as the method of diagnosing urinary tract infections. Although E. coli is the most common pathogen, other common pathogens are noted. Prompt and appropriate treatment is important to minimize kidney damage since ~15% of children with UTI have renal scarring on follow-up renal scan. The percentage of children with renal scars increases as their number of recurrent UTIs increase. Therefore, identification and modification of a child’s risk factors for urinary tract infection is important in order to prevent recurrent infections. In addition to treatment, options for further evaluation of the child with a urinary tract infection are described.