Urinary tract infection - Children

Question 1

What are the clinical features of UTI in children?

Answer 1

infants: poor feeding, vomiting, irritability
younger children: abdominal pain, fever, dysuria
older children: dysuria, frequency, haematuria
features which may suggest an upper UTI include: temperature > 38ºC, loin pain/tenderness

Question 2

How is UTI diagnosed in children?

Answer 2

Urine sample

Question 3

What is the treatment for UTI in children?

Answer 3

(<3 months age) Refer to paediatrician
(> 3 months with upper UTI) Hospital referral or cephalosporin or co-amoxiclav antibiotics
(> 3 months with lower UTI) trimethoprim, nitrofurantoin, cephalosporin or amoxicillin

Question 4

What are the causative organisms of UTI in children

Answer 4

E. coli (responsible for around 80% of cases)
Proteus
Pseudomonas

Question 5

What are the risk factors if UTI in children?

Answer 5

(Incomplete bladder emptying) Infrequent voiding
hurried micturition
obstruction by full rectum due to constipation
neuropathic bladder
(Vesicoureteric reflux)
(Poor hygiene) e.g. not wiping from front to back in girls