Clinical, etiological and radiological profile of paediatric patients with urinary tract infection: a tertiary care hospital based prospective studypital based prospective study

Background: Urinary tract infections are one of the most common bacterial infections, approximately 14% of pediatric emergencies are due to this cause. Prevalence varies with age, peaking in young infants, toddlers and older adolescents. Delayed recognition of UTI can lead to complications like renal scarring that can lead to HTN and chronic renal failure. Methods: This study was a prospective observational study conducted on children from 6 months to 15 years of either sex. A total of 110 culture proven UTI cases were enrolled. After enrolling detailed history, physical examination and investigations were done. In all patients USG was performed and MCU was performed as per protocol. Results: Among 110 children, majority were female. The most common symptom was fever followed by abdominal pain, vomiting, dysuria, excessive cry, frequency. Fever was present in all the age group while excessive cry, vomiting and lethargy was relatively m/c in age group<2 years. Whereas abdominal pain, dysuria, urgency and frequency was more common in age group>5 years. E. coli was the most common uropathogen, followed by Klebsiella and Enterococcus. USG findings were abnormal in 30 children and cystitis being the most common finding. MCU was performed in 36 children with abnormal findings in 12 children with VUR being the commonest. Conclusions: The sex preponderance and clinical features varies with age. Greater index of suspicion is required when dealing with infants with fever at presentation, for a prompt diagnosis. USG helps in detection of structural abnormalities that can aid in early identification, intervention and prevention of potential complications.