uti_children_features_flashcards
What is the incidence of UTIs in boys and girls during childhood?
At least 8% of girls and 2% of boys will have a UTI in childhood.
How does the presentation of UTI in childhood depend on age?
Infants: poor feeding, vomiting, irritability; Younger children: abdominal pain, fever, dysuria; Older children: dysuria, frequency, haematuria.
What features may suggest an upper UTI in children?
Temperature > 38ºC, loin pain/tenderness.
What are the NICE guidelines for checking a urine sample in a child?
If there are any symptoms or signs suggestive of a UTI, with unexplained fever of 38°C or higher (test urine after 24 hours at the latest), with an alternative site of infection but who remain unwell (consider urine test after 24 hours at the latest).
What is the preferable urine collection method in children?
Clean catch is preferable.
What should be done if clean catch urine collection is not possible in children?
Urine collection pads should be used; cotton wool balls, gauze, and sanitary towels are not suitable.
What are the management guidelines for infants less than 3 months old with a UTI?
They should be referred immediately to a paediatrician.
What are the management guidelines for children aged more than 3 months old with an upper UTI?
They should be considered for admission to hospital. If not admitted, oral antibiotics such as cephalosporin or co-amoxiclav should be given for 7-10 days.
What are the management guidelines for children aged more than 3 months old with a lower UTI?
They should be treated with oral antibiotics for 3 days according to local guidelines, usually trimethoprim, nitrofurantoin, cephalosporin, or amoxicillin. Parents should be asked to bring the children back if they remain unwell after 24-48 hours.
When should antibiotic prophylaxis be considered in children with UTIs?
Antibiotic prophylaxis is not given after the first UTI but should be considered with recurrent UTIs.
