Schedule of investigation

A schedule of investigation of a UTI in a child is shown in Figure 4.

Figure 4: Schedule of investigation of a urinary tract infection (UTI) in a child

Physical examination

+ urinalysis/urine culture

> 2 UTI episodes (in girls)

> 1 UTI episode (in boys)

ECHOGRAPHY

VCU

If findings indicate pathology

DMSA scan

VCU = voiding cysto-urethrography; DMSA = dimercaptosuccinic acid.

Screening of infants for asymptomatic bacteriuria is unlikely to prevent pyelonephritic scar formation, as these usually develop very early in infancy. Only a minority of children with a UTI have an underlying urological disorder, but when present such a disorder can cause considerable morbidity. Therefore, after a maximum of two UTI episodes in a girl and one such episode in a boy, investigations should be undertaken, but not in case of asymptomatic bacteriuria (47-50). In the infant, ultrasound and direct VCU should be carried out. Later on (> 5 years of age), VCU is replaced by indirect radionuclide cystography. DMSA scanning should be undertaken after demonstration of VUR. The need for DTPA/MAG-3 scanning is determined by the ultrasound findings, particularly if there is suspicion of an obstructive lesion.

Treatment

Treatment has four main goals:

17. Elimination of symptoms and eradication of bacteriuria in the acute episode

18. Prevention of renal scarring

19. Prevention of a recurrent UTI

20. Correction of associated urological lesions

An overview of the treatment of febrile UTIs in children is given in Figure 5.

Figure 5: Treatment of febrile urinary tract infection in (UTI) children

Severe UTI

Simple UTI

Parenteral therapy until afebrile •Adequate hydration •Cephalosporins (third generation) •Amoxicillin/clavulanate if cocci are present

Parenteral single-dose therapy (only in case of doubtful compliance) •Cephalosporins (third generation) •Gentamicin

Oral therapy to complete 10-14 days

of treatment

•Amoxicillin

•Cephalosporins

•Trimethoprim

Daily oral prophylaxis •Nitrofurantoin •Cefalexin •Trimethoprim

3.8.1 Severe UTIs

A severe UTI requires adequate parenteral fluid reposition and appropriate antimicrobial treatment, preferably with cephalosporins. If a Gram-positive UTI is suspected, it is useful to administer aminoglycosides, ampicillin or amoxicillin/clavulanate (51). In case of an allergy to cephalosporins, aztreonam or gentamicin may be used. When aminoglycosides are necessary, serum levels should be monitored. If cocci are found in the urine culture, ampicillin or amoxicillin/clavulanate represents the treatment of choice.

In new-borns, the surveillance of antimicrobial serum concentrations and subsequent dosage adjustment to compensate for renal function deficit is mandatory. Chloramphenicol, sulphonamides, tetracyclines, rifampicin, amphotericin В and quinolones should be avoided. The use of ceftriaxone must also be avoided due to its unwanted side effect of jaundice.

A wide variety of antimicrobials can be used in older children, with the exception of tetracyclines (because of teeth staining) and fluorinated quinolones (because of cartilage toxicity) (52). For a safety period of 24-36 hours, parenteral therapy should be administered. After the child is doing well, is afebrile and is able to take fluids, he/she may be given an oral agent to complete the 10-14 days of treatment. The preferred oral antimicrobials are: amoxicillin, cephalexin, cefixime orTMP. Outpatient treatment provides some advantages, such as less psychological impact on the child and more comfort for the whole family. It is less expensive, well tolerated and eventually prevents opportunistic infections (14). In children < 3 years of age who have difficulty taking oral medications, parenteral treatment for 7-10 days seems advisable.

Although debatable, a daily antimicrobial prophylaxis after the acute episode at least for 6 months seems a sensible policy. The most effective antimicrobial agents are: nitrofurantoin, TMP, cephalexin and cefaclor (53).

3.8.2 Simple UTIs

This is considered a low-risk infection in children and thus a single parenteral dose of a cephalosporin, such as ceftriaxone and, in case of allergy, aztreonam, will be adequate. This is then followed by TMP, cephalexin or amoxicillin to complete 10-14 days of treatment. Once treatment is completed, antimicrobial prophylaxis at least for 6 months should be started. In case of poor response, complications or positive blood cultures, the child must be admitted to hospital and parenteral treatment started (54). The dosing of the antimicrobal agents mentioned are outlined in table 3.

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