THE IMPORTANCE AND CHARACTERISTICS OF ROUTINE URINE EXAMINATION IN PEDIATRIC AGE DURING THE AUTUMN-WINTER PERIOD

Introduction: Routine complete blood count (CBC) and complete urine analysis are frequently requested in emergency services for evaluating the patient's condition, and for diagnostic and prognostic orientation.Aim: Investigation the comparative features of microscopic urine sediment analysis (MUSA) and multiple strip test measurement (MTSM), and their specific characteristics in febrile pediatric patients in the regional hospital's city of Saranda, Albania.Materials and Methods: Data from 193 children admitted to Saranda Hospital (Albania) were reviewed, and MUSA features, MTSM findings, and admission diagnoses were observed.Urine examination was requested for 171 and performed on 153 patients.Results: The main reason for hospitalization was febrile condition, at 46.1%.Gender distribution: females = 45.83%,males = 54.17%.Age distribution: 0-5 years = 55.73%; over 5 years = 44.27%.The predominant urinary signs in febrile conditions were crystalluria, ketonuria, and leukocyturia, and to a lesser extent proteinuria and erythrocyturia.MUSA versus MTSM: Leukocyturia>10/hpf 18.3% vs 22.8%, p=0.3, CI = -4.5-13.5).Erythrocyturia above normal: 20.3% vs 20.9% (p = 0.9, CI = -8.4 to 9.6).Only, MUSA: Crystalluria= 46.4% of cases.Only MTSM, Ketonuria = 45.71%,Proteinuria = 24.1%.Conclusions: Urine examination is a commonly requested test in pediatric patients, with diagnostic and evaluative attributes.MUSA showed no superiority in the detection of leukocyturia>10/hpf (p > 0.05), but showed superiority detecting crystals and leucocytes under 10/hpf, while MTSM was superior identifying proteinuria and ketonuria.MUSA and MTSM had equivalent performance regarding erythrocyturia (p > 0.05).There is a need to repeat urine examinations in post-febrile time to determine whether proteinuria or ketonuria were transient.Preventive and corrective policies such as vaccination and both personal and collective hygiene should not be neglected.