First-time Urinary Tract Infection Research Articles

Bacteriological Profile and Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns in Pediatric Urinary Tract Infections: A Cross-Sectional Study at Dhaka Shishu Hospital

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a prevalent concern in pediatric healthcare, causing distress to children, raising parental concerns, and potentially leading to lasting kidney damage. The highest incidence of first-time symptomatic UTIs occurs in infants during the first year of life, with a subsequent marked decrease. Febrile infants under 2 months, presenting with unexplained fever, constitute a critical subset requiring particular attention. Knowledge of the bacteriological profile and antimicrobial resistance patterns in specific regions is crucial for guiding effective treatment strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at 250 Bedded General Hospital, Jamalpur, Bangladesh from Feb 2016 to Aug 2016 to assess the bacteriological profile and antibiotic resistance patterns in pediatric UTIs. A total of 147 culture-positive UTI patients were included. Bacterial isolates were identified, and colony counts for samples with ≥105 CFU/mL bacteria were considered positive. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using twelve agents, and resistance patterns were analyzed. Results: Among the 147 culture-positive UTI patients, Escherichia coli (E-coli) was the predominant isolate (70%), followed by Klebsiella spp. (13.6%), Pseudomonas (5.44%), Enterobacter spp (3.40%), Staphylococcus Aureus (3.40%), Proteus (2.72%), and Enterococcus (1.36%). Antimicrobial resistance analysis revealed varying patterns, with Cefradine (79.59%), Co-trimoxazole (SXT) (69.39%), Nalidixic acid (NA) (66.67%), and Ceftazidime (CTM) (48.98%) showing higher resistance rates. No drug exhibited 100% resistance against urinary pathogens, indicating a dynamic resistance landscape. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of understanding local prevalence and resistance patterns in guiding empirical antibiotic selection for pediatric UTIs. The observed decrease in antimicrobial resistance underscores the need for continuous surveillance and tailored antibiotic strategies. Clinicians should base their treatment decisions on the specific epidemiological context rather than relying solely on universal or national guidelines.

Evaluation of urinalysis and urine culture in children with first-time urinary tract infection.

This study aimed to review results of urinalysis with flow cytometry technique at the time of diagnosis of urinary tact infection (UTI), and to determine uropathogenes with their antibiotic resistance patterns in children with first-time UTI. This single-centered, retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2015 to December 2017. The study included 361 children with a first-time UTI diagnosis. Age, gender, results of automated urinalysis, urine culture results were recorded. Mean ages of children were 55.8±50.7 months. E. coli was the most common isolated microorganism followed by K. pneumoniae, Proteus, Enterococcus, and P. aeroginosa. Median count of pyuria was 44 leukocyte/mm3 (range:0-2954/mm3). Median count of pyuria in female and male patients were 53 and 22 leukocyte/mm3, respectively (p=0047). A total of 98 patients (27.1%) had no pyuria. Proportion of pyuria in female and male patients were 81.2% and 76%, respectively (p>0.05). Mean age of patients with and without pyuria were 59±52 months and 46±44months, respectively (p<0.05). According to uropathogen, there was pyuria at the ratio of 60% in Pseudomonas, 62.5% in Enterococcus spp, 66.7% in Proteus, 78.3% in Klebsiella, and 82.7% in E. coli. Children with UTI induced by E. coli had resistance ratios of 30.5% and 22.4% to cefixime and ceftiaxone, respectively. Children with UTI by Klebsiella spp had resistance ratios of 47.8% and 39.1% to cefixime and ceftriaxone, respectively. E. coli was the most common uropathogen in children with first-time UTI. Pyuria may be lacking according to age, gender, and type of uropathogene. Pyuria level was higher in females. In addition, ceftriaxone and cefixime resistance is increasing making ampirical treatment choices limited.

Clinical characteristics and prediction analysis of pediatric urinary tract infections caused by gram-positive bacteria

Gram-positive (GP) pathogens are less accounted for in pediatric urinary tract infection (UTI), and their clinical impact is underrecognized. This study aimed to identify predictors of GP uropathogens in pediatric UTI. In this 14-year retrospective cohort of pediatric patients with UTI, we classified first-time UTIs cases into those caused by GP or Gram-negative (GN) bacteria. We constructed a multivariable logistic regression model to predict GP UTI. We evaluated model performance through calibration and discrimination plots. We developed a nomogram to predict GP UTI that is clinically feasible. Of 3783 children with first-time UTI, 166 (4.4%) were infected by GP and 3617 (95.6%) by GN bacteria. Among children with GP UTI, the most common uropathogens were vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE) (27.1%), Staphylococcus saprophyticus (26.5%), and coagulase-negative Staphylococci (12.7%). Eight independent risk factors were associated with GP UTI: Age ≥ 24 months (odds ratio [OR]: 3.21), no prior antibiotic use (OR: 3.13), serum white blood cell (WBC) count < 14.4 × 103/μL (OR: 2.19), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) < 3.4 mg/dL (OR: 2.18), hemoglobin ≥ 11.3 g/dL (OR: 1.90), negative urine leukocyte esterase (OR: 3.19), negative urine nitrite (OR: 4.13), and urine WBC < 420/μL (OR: 2.37). The model exhibited good discrimination (C-statistic 0.879; 95% CI 0.845–0.913) and calibration performance. VR E. faecalis, the leading GP uropathogen causing pediatric UTI, requires early detection for infection control. Our model for predicting GP UTI can help clinicians detect GP uropathogens and administer antibiotic regimen early.

Vitamin D Status and Its Role in First-Time and Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Children: A Case-Control Study.

Vitamin D has emerged as a key factor in innate immunity. Its involvement in the pathogenesis of urinary tract infections (UTIs) has gained a lot of attention recently. The objective of this study is to investigate the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and first-time or recurrent UTIs in children. A prospective, case-control study was conducted on 101 pediatric patients, who were divided into two groups: 59 patients with UTIs and 42 age-matched healthy controls. Serum 25(OH)D was determined in each child and expressed in ng/mL. Vitamin D presented significantly lower values in study group subjects than in healthy controls (p < 0.01). Moreover, a significantly higher prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency was found in children with UTIs (p < 0.01). Patients with recurrent UTIs presented significantly lower levels of vitamin D than those with first-time UTIs (p = 0.04). Urinary tract abnormalities did not seem to exercise an additional effect upon vitamin D levels within the study group. In conclusion, first-time and recurrent UTIs are associated with lower vitamin D levels. Further studies are necessary to validate our findings, as well as future longitudinal research regarding efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in children with UTIs.

Diffusion weighted imaging is a promising method to detect acute pyelonephritis in non-sedated free breathing infants

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common disease in infants. The initial evaluation includes imaging to identify risk factors for permanent renal damage, such as malformation and renal parenchymal involvement of the infection i.e. pyelonephritis. 99mTc-Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphy is a well-established method for detection of pyelonephritis and renal damage, but has limitations in availability, spatial resolution, and detection of congenital malformations. Diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) has been shown to have a high sensitivity for detection of pyelonephritis in children without the use of invasive procedures, contrast agents or ionizing radiation. How this method performs in young infants during non-sedated free breathing remains, however, to be investigated. To prospectively assess the feasibility and performance of DWI for detection of pyelonephritis in non-sedated free breathing infants. 32 children <6 months of age with first-time symptomatic UTI were examined with DWI and DMSA scintigraphy. The DWI examination was performed using a free breathing protocol without the use of sedation. Pyelonephritic lesions were registered for both methods by independent observers. Agreement between DWI and DMSA was evaluated. Consensus diagnosis was determined and compared to the DWI findings. The MRI and DMSA examinations were completed in 25 infants, with a median age of 1.7 (0.7-5.5) months. Focal uptake reductions were detected on the DMSA images in 12 (24%) of the 50 kidneys. The DWI method demonstrated a fair to good agreement with DMSA, k=0.50 (p<0.0001). The consensus diagnosis was pyelonephritis in eight (16%) of the 50 kidneys. DWI detected seven of the eight kidneys with pyelonephritis. No false positive findings were detected with DWI compared to consensus diagnosis. This study has shown an agreement between DWI and DMSA scintigraphy in the detection of pyelonephritis. Further validation of the performance of DWI, using a consensus diagnosis as a reference, confirmed the potential of the method. This feasibility study included a limited number of patients and the results need to be confirmed in a prospective study of a larger cohort. Free breathing DWI is a promising method for detection of pyelonephritic lesions in non-sedated infants.

Highlights in this issue

More than a quarter of otherwise healthy six-year-old Swedish children may have metabolic risk factors that increase their risk for cardiovascular disease. This finding comes from a longitudinal study that was conducted in Halland, south-west Sweden, by Kjellberg et al. 1. They found that 26% of the 212 children in the study had abnormal metabolic profiles, including insulin resistance. Jan Gustafsson 2 comments on the findings. Caffeine has been widely used to treat apnoea of prematurity. This issue includes a systematic review by Brattström et al. 3 that compares high- versus low-dose caffeine. The authors concluded that the use of high-dose caffeine had no impact on mortality or bronchopulmonary dysplasia, but that it did result in fewer cases of extubation failure and shorter durations of mechanical ventilation. In another study, Huvanandana et al. 4 evaluated the cardiovascular impact of intravenous caffeine and found that caffeine was likely to increase the responsiveness of the autonomic nervous system. Meanwhile, Seppä-Moilanen et al. 5 report that caffeine and supplemental oxygen effectively suppressed periodic breathing in preterm infants, with only minor effects on the prevention of long episodes of apnoea. Ravichandran et al. 6 retrospectively determined the influence of cumulative dosing of caffeine citrate on the neurodevelopmental outcomes of 181 very low birthweight infants when they reached 18–22 months of age. They found that a higher average daily dose of caffeine citrate was associated with better neurodevelopmental outcomes. Meanwhile, Huvanandana et al. 7 observed a reduced correlation between mean arterial pressure and the tissue oxygenation index following caffeine administration in preterm infants. The results suggested an acute improvement in cerebral autoregulation following a loading dose of caffeine. The use of complementary and alternative medicines to treat a range of medical issues is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. Farrington et al. 8 conducted a literature review to explore the current use of alternative medicines in children and to highlight the possible risks associated with their use. Despite their perceived safety, adverse events have been documented following the use of these products and infants and children may be more susceptible to the harmful effects of these alternative approaches, due to their immature metabolism. Georgieva et al. 9 report that first-time urinary tract infections (UTIs) in girls were associated with low vitamin D levels, but not with low levels of antimicrobial peptides. In another study, Alberici et al. 10 evaluated the risk factors proposed by the Italian guidelines for the first febrile UTIs in children. They report that only the presence of pathogens other than Escheria coli significantly predicted reflux and that cystography could be postponed in children with no risk factors.

Antibiotic Resistance Pattern in Children with UTI: A Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common pediatric infections. It distresses the child, concerns the parents, and may cause permanent kidney damage. Occurrences of a first-time symptomatic UTI are highest in boys and girls during the first year of life and markedly decrease after that. Febrile infants younger than 2 months constitute an important subset of children who may present with fever without a localizing source. For resistance knowledge of etiology pathogens of UTIs and their antimicrobial resistance patterns in specific geographical location may help clinicians in choosing the appropriate antimicrobial. Our aim was to assess bacteriological profile and antibiotic resistance pattern in pediatric UTI. A cross sectional study was conducted at Dhaka Shishu Hospital during the period from Feb 2016 to Aug 2016. A total of 147 culture positive UTI patient were considered for analysis. Colony counts for these samples were identified, and the profile of antibiotic resistance was identified. Here, samples with a colony count of ≥105 CFU/mL bacteria were considered positive. A total 147 culture positive UTI patients were enrolled. Here, Escherichia coli (E-coli) was found as the most prevalent isolates 103 (70%) followed by Klebsiella spp. 13.6%, Pseudomonas 5.44%, Enterobacter spp 3.40%, Staphylococcus Aureus 3.40%, Proteus 2.72% and Enterococcus 1.36%. Twelve (12) antimicrobial agents were used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The most resistant drugs we found were Colistin (CL) (94.55%), followed by Cefradine (79.59%), Co-trimoxazole (SXT) (69.39%), Nalidixic acid (NA) (66.67%) and Ceftazidime (CTM) (48.98%). None of the drug found was 100% resistance against urinary pathogens. Antimicrobial drug resistance is decreasing among urinary pathogens. We suggest that, empirical antibiotic selection should be based on knowledge of the local prevalence of bacterial organism and their antibiotic resistance in a specific area rather than on universal or even national guidelines.

Association between vitamin D, antimicrobial peptides and urinary tract infection in infants and young children.

Vitamin D stimulates production of the endogenous antimicrobial peptides cathelicidin and β-defensin-2, which are expressed in the urinary tract. We investigated vitamin D status and levels of cathelicidin and β-defensin-2 and their association with urinary tract infection (UTI). The study included 120 children under three years of age: 76 children with UTIs and 44 otherwise healthy children with congenital hydronephrosis. Serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol levels were measured by direct competitive electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay, and plasma cathelicidin and β-defensin-2 concentrations were analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We found that vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency are prevalent in young children (21%). Serum vitamin D levels negatively correlated with age and were significantly lower in girls. Levels of vitamin D positively correlated with levels of cathelicidin but not with β-defensin-2. Low concentrations of vitamin D were associated with UTIs in girls, but we did not see any correlation with the recurrence of infection at one-year follow-up. Vitamin D deficiency is common and may prove to be a risk factor for UTIs especially in girls. We hypothesise that adequate supplementation with vitamin D may become a way to prevent first-time UTIs.

Draft Genome Sequences of Four Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Serotype O4:H5 Isolates (ATCC 700414, 700415, 700416, and 700417).

ABSTRACTUropathogenic Escherichia coli serotype O4:H5 isolates (ATCC 700414, 700415, 700416, and 700417) were recovered from women with first-time urinary tract infections. Here, we report the draft genome sequences for these four E. coli isolates, which are currently being used to validate food safety processing technologies.

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OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) serve as one of the most common infections affecting women. With rising reports of antibiotic resistance (ABR), which can prolong illness and limit treatment options, the Infectious Disease Society of America recommends using local resistance patterns to shape empirical treatment selection. Although no studies have evaluated ABR in Ureaplasma spp. urinary isolates in college-aged women, regional studies in the Southeast United States have found levels of tetracycline resistance in over 30% of Ureaplasma spp. clinical isolates. Thus, this study aims to determine the antibiogram for 73 Ureaplasma spp. and 10 Mycoplasma hominis isolates collected from women with first-time UTI against a panel of 9 antibiotics, and assess resistant isolates for genetic mechanisms associated with resistance. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: This study used archival samples and data collected from college-aged women with first-time UTI recruited to participate in a prospective cohort study conducted at a student healthcare facility from 2001 to 2006 in Florida. Ureaplasma spp. and M. hominis isolates cultured from urine samples collected at the initial clinical presentation and for any recurrent UTI were evaluated for susceptibility to a panel of 9 antibiotics (8 for M. hominis) using validated microbroth and agar dilution methods, respectively. Ureaplasma spp. isolates were tested against azithromycin, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, clindamycin, erythromycin, doxycycline, gentamicin, levofloxacin, and tetracycline. M. hominis isolates underwent the same testing, with the addition of linezolid and exclusion of azithromycin and erythromycin, as M. hominis is intrinsically resistance to 14 and 15-membered macrolides and azilides. PCR and Sanger sequencing were employed to identify molecular mechanisms associated with resistance. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Of the 73 Ureaplasma spp. isolates, 1 isolate was resistant to levofloxacin (MIC: 4 µg/mL) and 1 to tetracycline (MIC: 8 µg/mL). All M. hominis isolates were sensitive. For the Ureaplasma spp. isolates, MIC90s were highest against gentamicin (32 µg/mL) and lowest against doxycycline (0.25 µg/mL). PCR amplification identified tetM present in the tetracycline resistant isolate, an established gene associated with tetracycline resistance in Ureaplasma spp. A S83W mutation within the quinolone-resistance-determining region (QRDR) of parC was detected in the levofloxacin resistant isolate. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: Overall, antibiotic resistance in this population of college-aged women with first-time UTI was low. A previous study detected a novel S83W substitution in a perinatal Ureaplasma spp. isolate from Japan, and provided in silico evidence that a S83W change would prevent levofloxacin from binding to its target. However, that study was unable to cultivate the isolate. Our study has provided the corresponding phenotypic evidence that a S83W substitution results in quinolone resistance in Ureaplasma spp.

Urinary tract infection in small children: the evolution of renal damage over time

BackgroundOur objective was to analyze the evolution of kidney damage over time in small children with urinary tract infection (UTI) and factors associated with progression of renal damage.MethodsFrom a cohort of 1003 children <2 years of age with first-time UTI, a retrospective analysis of 103 children was done. Children were selected because of renal damage at index 99mTc-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphy at least 3 months after UTI, and a late DMSA scan was performed after at least 2 years. Damage was classified as progression when there was a decline in differential renal function (DRF) by ≥4%, as regression when there was complete or partial resolution of uptake defects.ResultsOf 103 children, 20 showed progression, 20 regression, and 63 remained unchanged. There were no differences between groups regarding gender or age. In the progression group, 16/20 (80%) children had vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) grade III–V and 13 (65%) had recurrent UTI. In multivariable regression analysis, both VUR grade III–V and recurrent UTI were associated with progression. In the regression group, 16/20 (80%) had no VUR or grade I–II, and two (10%) had recurrent UTI.ConclusionsMost small children with febrile UTI do not develop renal damage and if they do the majority remain unchanged or regress over time. However, up to one-fifth of children with renal damage diagnosed after UTI are at risk of renal deterioration. These children are characterized by the presence of VUR grades III–V and recurrent febrile UTI and may benefit from follow-up.

Comparison of Patients in Whom Double-J Stent Had Been Placed or Not Placed After Renal Transplantation in a Single Center: A Follow-up Study

BackgroundDouble-J (DJ) stents play an important role in modern urology to prevent undesirable side effects after surgery. We aimed to investigate the relationship of DJ stents with the demographic characteristics, surgical complications, urinary tract infection (UTI), and hematuria in the patients who underwent renal transplantation (Tx). MethodsData of 354 patients who underwent renal Tx between 2008 and 2011 at Ege University were evaluated retrospectively; 331 patients were included in this study. The term DJ (−) represents patients in whom a DJ stent was not placed. “Primary DJ term” represents patients in whom the DJ stent was placed during the first Tx. “Secondary DJ term” represents the patients who had DJ after Tx for any complication. ResultsTwo hundred fifty-four (76.7%) patients were in the DJ (−) group, 52 (15.7%) were in the primary DJ group, and 25 (7.6%) were in the secondary DJ group. There were significant differences between the groups in terms of anastomosis type (P = .000), stay-in-hospital time (P = .000), surgical complication (P = .000), re-operation (P = .000), percutaneous nephrostomy (P = .000), UTI (P = .000), first-time UTI (P = .000), recurrent UTI (P = .000), positive hemoculture (P = .000), hematuria (P = .000), duration of dialysis before Tx (P = .000), live/deceased donor (P = .000), and delayed graft function (P = .009). ConclusionsOur choice is to use the DJ stent in selected high-risk patients and to keep the indications for DJ stent wider in deceased donor transplants by considering possible surgical complications. The use of the stent only in selected cases will decrease surgical complications due to stent placement.

Urinary tract infection in small outpatient children: the influence of age and gender on resistance to oral antimicrobials

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common bacterial disease in small children in which treatment with antimicrobials is used. The worldwide increase of bacterial resistance to these drugs is threatening the efficacy of such treatment and may increase the risk for long-term damage. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyse the development of resistance to oral antimicrobials over a 10-year period in an unselected outpatient population of small children with first-time UTI. The patient material included 494 boys and 512 girls below 2years of age with community acquired symptomatic UTI. Escherichia coli bacteria were isolated in 96% of girls and 89% of boys (p < 0.0001). The overall resistance of E. coli was 14% to trimethoprim and below 1% to cefadroxil and nitrofurantoin. Over the 10-year period, the trimethoprim resistance of E. coli increased from 5 to 17% but remained unchanged to cefadroxil and nitrofurantoin. E. coli resistance to trimethoprim was related to age: 11% below and 19% above 9months (p < 0.01). The increase in resistance over time and with age was found only in girls. The increasing resistance of E. coli to trimethoprim makes this drug less suitable for empiric treatment of UTI. Young children with UTI seem predisposed to early development of resistance. Therefore, surveillance of resistance to antimicrobials with special regard to age and gender is recommended.

Urinary tract infections in children and the risk of ESRF

Paediatric guidance on diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs) has in the past largely focused on identifying children with vesicoureteral reflux, thought to be at greatest risk of renal scarring. This practice has been questioned, specifically the accepted association between UTI and end-stage renal failure (ESRF) through renal scarring. The aim of this article is to ascertain whether we can predict with confidence the true level of risk that a child with a first-time UTI will subsequently develop ESRF attributable to UTI. Using data available from renal registries, an analytical approach based on previous estimates of risk is used to demonstrate the range of plausible estimates of risk that can be generated and levels of uncertainty that surrounds those estimates. Estimates of the perceived risk of developing ESRF following UTI range from 1/154 to 1/199,900 and are heavily dependent on the assumptions made and the source of data. There is considerable uncertainty in the relationship between childhood UTI and risk of ESRF based on the data currently available. Until further evidence is available, clinicians will continue to debate the risk of UTI and ESRF and consensus opinion will continue to guide management.

Ceftibuten versus trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for oral treatment of febrile urinary tract infection in children

A randomized, open, coordinated multi-center trial compared the bacteriological and clinical efficacy and safety of orally administered ceftibuten and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) in children with febrile urinary tract infection (UTI). Children aged 1 month to 12 years presenting with presumptive first-time febrile UTI were eligible for enrollment. A 2:1 assignment to treatment with ceftibuten 9 mg/kg once daily (n = 368) or TMP-SMX (3 mg + 15 mg)/kg twice daily (n = 179) for 10 days was performed. Escherichia coli was recovered in 96% of the cases. Among the E. coli isolates, 14% were resistant to TMP-SMX but none to ceftibuten. In the modified intention-to-treat population, the bacteriological elimination rates at follow-up did not differ significantly between patients treated with ceftibuten and those treated with TMP-SMX [91 vs. 95%, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) for difference of -9.7 to 1.0]. However, the clinical cure rate was significantly higher among those treated with ceftibuten (93 vs. 83%, with a 95% CI for difference of 2.4 to 17.0). Adverse events were similar for both regimens and consisted mainly of gastrointestinal disturbances. In conclusion, ceftibuten is a safe and effective drug for the empirical treatment of febrile UTI in young children.

Adherence to AAP Practice Guidelines for Urinary Tract Infections at Our Teaching Institution

Urinary tract infection (UTI) in children is a common diagnosis in general pediatric practice. Because of the potential severity and proven morbidity of such infections, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) developed guidelines to better direct clinicians in the workup. This retrospective study sought to evaluate the uniformity of adherence to these guidelines at our teaching institution. A total of 104 charts were reviewed, and data were collected based on the parameters outlined by the AAP. It is found that at the authors' teaching institution, there is at least 70% adherence to the recommendations for method of urine collection and 97% adherence to performance of urinalysis. However, imaging workup, which may be the most important follow-up of a first-time UTI, has only a 61% adherence rate.

Idiopathic hypercalciuria associated with urinary tract infection in children

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between idiopathic hypercalciuria (IH) and urinary tract infection (UTI) in children. This prospective clinical study included 75 patients with UTI (without urinary tract malformations and lithiasis) and a control group of 30 healthy children. Of the total number of patients with UTI, 21% (n = 16/75) had IH, but only 7% (n = 2/30) with IH were reported in the control group (p < 0.05). Recurrent UTI affected 33% (n = 25/75) of patients , and in 67% (n = 50/75) of patients, UTI was diagnosed for the first time. In the group of patients with recurrent UTI, 44% (n = 11/25) had IH, but only 10% (n = 5/50) were reported in the group of patients with first-time UTI (p < 0.05). The results of multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that clinical and laboratory parameters (recurrent UTI, dysuria, and microscopic hematuria) may predict the diagnosis of IH in 80% of patients and absence of IH in 87% of cases. In our opinion, IH is a major contributing factor to UTI, especially to recurrent UTI in children.

Serum and urine levels of interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 in children with acute pyelonephritis

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common clinical disorder in younger infants and children and may result in permanent renal damage. The inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 play an important role in response to bacterial infection. This prospective study investigated the association between serum and urine IL-6 and IL-8 levels and acute pyelonephritis confirmed by 99mTc-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scan. A total of 78 children aged 1–121 months with a diagnosis of first-time febrile UTI were included. The following inflammatory markers were assessed: fever; white blood cells count (WBC); C-reactive protein (CRP); and serum and urine IL-6 and IL-8. The patients were divided into the acute pyelonephritis group ( n = 42) and the lower UTI group ( n = 36) according to the results of DMSA scan. Fever, WBC and CRP levels were significantly higher in children with acute pyelonephritis than in those with lower UTI (all p < 0.001). Significantly, higher initial serum and urine IL-6 and IL-8 levels were found in children with acute pyelonephritis than in those with lower UTI (all p < 0.001). Serum and urine IL-6 in children with acute pyelonephritis were positively correlated with fever, CRP and leucocyturia. These results indicate that both serum and urine IL-6 and IL-8 levels, particularly IL-6, are useful diagnostic tools for early recognition of acute pyelonephritis in febrile children.

Lower Levels of Urinary Nerve Growth Factor Might Predict Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Women.

Purpose:To investigate the changes in urinary nerve growth factor (uNGF) levels after acute urinary tract infection (UTI) and to assess the role of uNGF in predicting UTI recurrence in women.Methods:Women with uncomplicated, symptomatic UTIs were enrolled. Cephalexin 500 mg (every 6 hours) was administered for 7–14 days to treat acute UTIs. Subsequently, the patients were randomized to receive either sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim 800 mg/160 mg daily at bedtime, or celecoxib 200 mg daily for 3 months and were monitored for up to 12 months. NGF levels in the urine were determined at baseline, 1, 4, and 12 weeks after the initiation of prophylactic therapy, and were compared between women with first-time UTIs and recurrent UTIs, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim and celecoxib-treated women, and no UTI recurrence and UTI recurrence that occurred during the follow-up period. Twenty women free of UTIs served as controls.Results:A total of 139 women with UTI and 20 controls were enrolled in the study, which included 50 women with a first-time UTI and 89 women with recurrent UTIs. Thirty-seven women completed the study. Women with recurrent UTIs (n=23) had a trend of lower uNGF levels than women with first-time UTIs (n=14). During follow-up, 9 women had UTI recurrence. The serial uNGF levels in women with UTI recurrence were significantly lower than those in women who did not have UTI recurrence during the follow-up period.Conclusions:The lower levels of uNGF in women with recurrent UTI and the incidence of UTI recurrence during follow-up suggest that lower uNGF might reflect the defective innate immunity in women with recurrent UTI.

Protective effect of breastfeeding against urinary tract infection.

To assess the possible protective effect of exclusive breastfeeding against first-time febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) in children. Two children's hospitals and local child health centres in the Göteborg area, Sweden, participated in a prospective case-control study. In total, 200 consecutive cases (89M, 111F), aged 0-6y, presenting with first-time febrile UTI were enrolled. The mean +/- SD age was 0.98 +/- 1.15 y. As control subjects, 336 children (147M, 189F) were recruited from the child health centre of the case, matched for age and gender and included consecutively for each case during the first days after diagnosis. The duration of exclusive breastfeeding was obtained from the case and controls by a standardized procedure. Ongoing exclusive breastfeeding gave a significantly lower risk of infection. A longer duration of breastfeeding gave a lower risk of infection after weaning, indicating a long-term mechanism. The protective role of breastfeeding was strongest directly after birth, then decreased until 7 mo of age, after which age no effect was demonstrated. A protective role of breastfeeding against UTI was demonstrated. The study provides statistical support to the view that breast milk is a part of the natural defence against UTI.