Pediatric Pearls

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Urinary tract infections (UTI) in females less than 5 years of age and boys at any age need to be evaluated and properly worked up. Urinary tract infections in young children can many times be due to an anatomic abnormality of the urinary system.

Some of these abnormalities will resolve without intervention and some may need to be surgically corrected. A significant complication of a UTI that is not treated is permanent damage and scarring to the kidney or kidneys. Due to the risk of complications and underlying anatomic abnormality many pediatricians will order tests to evaluate the size and structure of the urinary system. The proper way to collect urine in a young child who is not toilet trained is via a catheter placed into the urethra and bladder. Signs of a UTI may be fever, vomiting, crying with urination or non-specific findings. To help prevent UTI’s give your child plenty of water to drink, do not use bubble baths, good balanced diet and teach them proper wiping technique from front to back.

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