Urinary tract infection in a child Flashcards
Define symptomatic bacteriuria.
Presence of urine bacteria which is not contaminant of urethral flora with concomitant pyuria.
Broad clinical categories: Upper UTI (acute polynephritis) and lower UTI (cystitis, urethritis).
Define asymptomatic bacteriuria.
Detection of incidental bacteriuria is an asymptomatic child.
Explain the general aetiology of UTI in a child.
Proliferation of bacteria in the urinary tract, ascending infection secondary to bacteria in the periurethral flora and distal urethra.
F>M as short urethra and closer proximity of perianal colonic organisms.
Explain the aetiology of UTI in neonates.
70% ascending infection, 30% are of haematogenous origin.
Explain the aetiology of UTIs in infants, children and adolescents.
Majority are ascending infections.
What organisms cause UTIs?
Gram-negative bacteria: E.coli (90%), Streptococcus faecalis and Klebsiella
Proteus: Males; present under the prepuce
Staphylococcus saprophyticus: Common in adolescent girls.
Pseudomonas: Usually in children with congenital urinary tract anomalies or acquired renal problems, e.g. stones
Adenovirus 11 and 12 in haemorrhagic cystitis
What is an atypical UTI?
- Seriously ill child
- Poor urine flow
- Abdominal/bladder mass
- Increased creatinine
- Septicaemia
- Failure to respond to treatment <48 degrees
- Non-E.coli infections
What is a recurrent UTI?
- 2+ acute pyelonephritis/upper UTIs
- 1 upper with 1+ lower UTI episode
- 3+ lower UTI episodes
What are risk factors for UTIs?
Congenital GU malformations and urinary obstructions (posterior urethral valves, PUJ obstruction).
Vesicoureteric reflux
Chronic constipation
Voiding dysfunction
Neuropathic bladder
What is the pathophysiology of acute pyelonephritis?
Renal parenchymal infection with neutrophil infiltration secondary to ascending ureteric infection or haematogenous spread (bacteraemia)
What is the pathophysiology of chronic pyelonephritis?
Reflux nephropathy shows cortical scarring and clubbing of calyces
Summarise the epidemiology of UTIs.
General: F>M (F 3-8%, M 0.5-1%)
Specific: Increased upper UTIs < 1 year (M>F)< increased lower UTI > 2 years (F>M)
What are signs and symptoms of an upper UTI?
Bacteriuria and pyrexia >38C or loin pain with pyrexia <38C.
What are signs and symptoms of a lower UTI?
Bacteriuria with no systemic symptoms.
What are the signs and symptoms of a UTI in infants <3/12?
Common:
- Pyrexia
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Irritability
- Poor feeding
- Failure to thrive
Less common:
- Abdominal pain
- Jaundice
- Haematuria
- Offensive urine