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Urology
Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are commonly seen in prepubescent children. UTIs that present with fevers must be investigated for the possibility of an anatomical anomaly that may be predisposing the child to the infection.
When treating UTIs, our physicians routinely look for vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), a condition in which some urine goes back up into the ureters and possibly up to the kidneys. Reflux exposes the kidneys to infection, causing hydronephrosis, a swelling of the kidneys. VUR can be detected prenatally through ultrasound.
Children with VUR receive a renal bladder ultrasound at birth, as well as a voiding cystourethrogram, an X-ray image of the bladder and urethra during urination. Children with VUR are often treated with antibiotics prophylactically until a diagnosis of the cause of the hydronephrosis can be determined.
In children, particularly those under six, urinary infection can cause kidney damage through scarring and atrophy. Left untreated, and in the most severe cases, it can result in kidney failure requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation. Our physicians are having success in treating VUR with minimally invasive endoscopic approach with the use of deflux, a bulking agent which combines dextranomer and hyaluronic acid.
UTIs that occur in children, but without fever, may be related to water intake, holding of urine, constipation, etc. Our physicians work with parents to help their children develop good water drinking and bowel elimination habits, and keep them on a strict schedule. Very often these infections can be avoided with changes in behavior.
Parents whose children are incontinent or who have frequent urination should see their pediatrician who will take a urine sample to determine if an organism is present in the urinary tract.
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