Urinary tract infection in neonates

Abstract

The symptoms and signs of urinary tract infection (UTI) in the newborn are non-specific. We carried out a retrospective investigation of 30 neonates in whom urinary tract infections were diagnosed by urinary culture. In our study, UTI was a little more common in boys (56%). Eight babies (27%) had low birth weights (less then 2,500 gm). In addition to fever, gastrointestinal tract symptoms and jaundice were also frequently associated with UTI. Escherichia coli was the most common causative pathogen, 85% of which was sensitive to gentamicin. Thirteen patients (43%) had congenital genitourinary (GU) tract anomalies. Of these, five cases were diagnosed via prenatal ultrasonography. Ureteropelvic junction stenosis was the most common malformation. Recurrent UTI occurred in 3 babies who had major congenital GU tract anomalies. Resistant strains were found in cases of recurrent UTI. Pyuria was seen in 21 cases (75%) and bacteremia in two.