URINARY EXCRETION OF BETA-2-MICROGLOBULIN IN CHILDREN WITH URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate, if urinary Beta-2-Microglobulin (B2M) excretion is useful in the level diagnosis of urinary tract infections (UTI). 161 children with significant bacteriuria were studied. B2M was measured in 24-hrs urine collection (ph>6) by solid-phase-radioimmunoassay (B2M-monoclonal RIA KIT Prague). The samples were studied at the onset of the disease and after antibacterial treatment. The excretion of B2M was significantly higher in patiens with upper UTI than in those with lower UTI or asymptomatic bacteriuria. Especially high values were observed among children with upper UTI and with accompanying radiological changes. After antibacterial treatment the excretion of B2M decreased significantly in all patients with UTI. The sensitivity of urinary B2M as a predictor of parenchymal involvment was 89.4% with a specifity of 96.5%. Conclusions: 1) B2M excretion helps to distinguish between upper and lower UTI in children. 2) High values of B2M excretion in children with UTI are highly suggestive of parenchymal involvment, particularly in cases with radiological changes.