Contemporary Management of Urinary Tract Infection in Children

Biomarkers for urinary tract infection: present and future perspectives

A prompt diagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI) is necessary to minimize its symptoms and limit sequelae. The current UTI screening by urine test strip analysis and microscopic examination has suboptimal diagnostic accuracy. A definitive diagnosis of UTI by urine culture takes two to three days for the results. These limitations necessitate a need for better biomarkers for the diagnosis and subsequent management of UTI in children. Here, we review the value of currently available UTI biomarkers and highlight the potential of emerging biomarkers that can facilitate a more rapid and accurate UTI diagnosis. Of the newer UTI biomarkers, the most promising are blood procalcitonin (PCT) and urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL). PCT can provide diagnostic benefits and should be considered in patients who have a blood test for other reasons. NGAL, which is on the threshold of clinical care, needs more research to address its scope and utilization, including point-of-care application. Employment of these and other biomarkers may ultimately improve UTI diagnosis, guide UTI therapy, reduce antibiotic use, and mitigate UTI complications.

Applying Quality Improvement Methodology to Standardize Pediatric Urinary Tract Infection Diagnosis and Management throughout a Healthcare System

Background

Pediatric urinary tract infections (UTIs) require early diagnosis and appropriate treatment to avoid short- and long-term morbidity. Baseline data from 13,000 children across a regional health system demonstrated wide variation in UTI management, including antibiotic choice, duration, and dosing. In 2019, the local antibiotic stewardship team recommended cephalexin as the ideal first-line UTI treatment due to its effectiveness, narrow spectrum, low cost, and palatability. This project aimed to improve first-line prescription of cephalexin as an empiric antibiotic treatment for uncomplicated UTIs from 34% to 75% in children 60 days to 18 years of age presenting to any site within the healthcare system within 6 months.

Methods

A multidisciplinary team of key stakeholders reviewed baseline data and developed three key drivers. These included a standardized UTI pathway, electronic health record enhancements, and provider education. Interventions were supported by a literature review and implemented via Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles with data monitored bimonthly. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients prescribed cephalexin for presumed UTI over the total number of presumed UTI diagnoses treated with empiric antibiotics throughout the healthcare system. The balancing measure included 14-day return visits for a UTI-related diagnosis across the system.

Results

After the release of the updated UTI pathway, first-line cephalexin prescribing for UTI improved from 34% to 66%. There was no change in 14-day revisits for UTI.

Conclusions

Standardizing the diagnosis and management of UTIs across the spectrum of coordinated care led to improved system-wide adherence to local antibiotic stewardship guidelines for empiric UTI treatment.

The Susceptibility of Escherichia Coli to Antibiotic Treatment for Pediatric Patients With Febrile Urinary Tract Infections in the Bratislava Region

Urinary tract infections are one of the most common types of bacterial infections in childhood. Normally, empiric antibiotic therapy is given based on local antimicrobial susceptibility. We performed a retrospective study to evaluate bacterial resistance and clinical responses to antibiotics in childhood febrile urinary tract infections (fUTIs) in the Bratislava region of Slovakia. A total of 182 children with a fUTI were enrolled in our retrospective study. 84,07% of these fUTIs were caused by pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli). According to microbial antibiotic susceptibility tests, the most effective antibiotic agents were third-generation cephalosporins (susceptibility was observed in 92,16% (n=141) of the cases), followed by aminopenicillins with betalactamase inhibitor (susceptibility was observed in 84,97% (n=130) of the cases) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (susceptibility was observed in 79,74% (n=122) of the cases). In contrast, E. coli was susceptible to second-generation cephalosporins in just 3,92% (n=6). Patients treated with third-generation cephalosporins achieved a clinical response to therapy almost in all of the cases (95,7% (n=66)), whereas second-generation cephalosporins were associated with a clinical response to therapy in only 55,9% (n=33) of the cases. Third-generation cephalosporins and aminopenicillins with a betalactamase inhibitor appear to be the most suitable initial antibiotic therapies in pediatric patients with fUTIs. Following current guidelines alongside the regular assessment of regional microbial antibiotic susceptibilities should provide the best treatment management for children with fUTIs.

Intravenous antibiotics for urinary tract infections in children with neurologic impairment

BACKGROUND

Children with high-intensity neurologic impairment (HINI) have an increased risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) and prolonged intravenous (IV) antibiotic exposure.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association between short (≤3 days) and long (>3 days) IV antibiotic courses and UTI treatment failure in hospitalized children with HINI.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study examining UTI hospitalizations at 49 hospitals in the Pediatric Health Information System from 2016 to 2021 for children (1-18 years) with HINI. The primary outcome was UTI readmission within 30 days. Our secondary outcome was the association of hospital-level variation in short IV antibiotic course use with readmission. Readmission rates were compared between short and long courses using multivariable regression.

RESULTS

Of 5612 hospitalizations, 3840 (68.4%) had short IV antibiotic courses. In our adjusted model, children with short IV courses were less likely than with long courses to have a 30-day UTI readmission (4.0%, 95% CI [3.6%, 4.5%] vs. 6.3%, 95% CI [5.1%, 7.8%]). Despite marked hospital-level variation in short IV course use (50.0%-87.5% of hospitalizations), there was no correlation with readmissions.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with HINI hospitalized with UTI had low UTI readmission rates, but those who received long IV antibiotic courses were more likely to experience UTI readmission versus those receiving short courses. While residual confounding may influence our results, we did not find that short IV courses impacted readmission at the hospital level despite variation in use across institutions. Long IV antibiotic courses are associated with risks and may not confer benefit in this population.

Enhancing clinical decision-making: Sysmex UF-5000 as a screening tool for bacterial urinary tract infection in children

BACKGROUND

A rapid screening test for urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children is needed to avoid unnecessary cultures and provide prompt reports to make appropriate clinical decisions. We have evaluated for the first time the performance of the Sysmex UF-5000 flow cytometer as a screening tool for UTIs in children.

METHODS

This study included 4445 pediatric patients, with urinary sediment and urine culture data collected from January 2020 to September 2023. The Sysmex UF-5000 analyzer was utilized to measure urine white blood cell (WBC) and bacteria (BACT), with the findings being compared to the culture results.

RESULTS

At ≥ 104 colony-forming unit (CFU)/mL, 513 samples were culture-positive (400 samples presented 104-105 CFU/mL, and 113 demonstrated ≥ 105 CFU/mL bacterial growth). Optimal indicators for positive cultures were BACT counts of 92.2/μL (AUC: 0.944) and WBC counts of 40.8/μL (AUC:0.863). False negative rate were 0.9% when using a 7.8 bacteria/μL cut-off and avoiding unnecessary cultures in 28.1%. The UF-5000 has a higher consistency rate for Gram-negative (GN) bacteria (90.3%) than Gram-positive (GP) bacteria (86.8%). For samples with 105 CFU/mL, UF-5000's Bacteria -Information flags showed superior concordance for samples with 104-105 CFU/mL bacteria.

CONCLUSIONS

Screening pediatric urine cultures with the UF-5000 showed potential application value in identifying negative cultures and significant bacterial growth, although performance may vary depending on the study population. Furthermore, detecting Gram typing aids in guiding early clinical empirical medication, particularly for UTIs caused by GN bacteria.

Imaging of Vesicoureteral Reflux: AJR Expert Panel Narrative Review

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a common congenital anomaly of the urinary tract that can present with collecting system dilation or as a febrile infection. VUR can lead to permanent renal sequelae requiring surgery but can also spontaneously resolve without complication. Therefore, recognizing patient populations who warrant imaging for screening, confirmation, or ongoing surveillance for VUR is important, as is avoiding overdiagnosis. In the appropriate patient populations, an accurate diagnosis of VUR allows early treatment and prevention of pyelonephritis and scarring. Various imaging modalities are available to diagnose and grade VUR, including voiding cystourethrography, radionucleotide cystography, and contrast-enhanced voiding urosonography (ceVUS). The objective of this article is to summarize the current understanding of VUR diagnosis and management and to discuss these imaging modalities' strengths and pitfalls. Considerations include indications for VUR imaging, patient preparation, conduct of the examination, issues related to radiologic reporting, and cost-effectiveness. An emphasis is placed on ceVUS, which is the most recently introduced of the three imaging modalities and is receiving growing support among pediatric radiologists.

Review of Urinary Tract Infections and Pyelonephritis

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are serious bacterial infections affecting children of all ages. An understanding of the methods of urine collection is important to prevent the contamination of urine specimens and to interpret results. The diagnosis of a UTI requires appropriate interpretation of both urinalysis and urine culture results because testing must indicate evidence of inflammation and the presence of bacteria. Rapid treatment of UTIs is imperative to prevent acute decompensation and systemic illness. Empiric antibiotics should be narrowed as soon as possible to tailor antibiotic treatment and limit antibiotic overuse. Imaging with a renal ultrasound scan is recommended for all infants with first febrile UTIs rather than a voiding cystourethrogram. An additional goal of UTI treatment is to prevent renal scarring, which can lead to lifelong health consequences. Children with anatomic abnormalities of the urinary tract and those who have recurrent UTIs are at increased risk of renal scarring. [Pediatr Ann. 2024;53(6):e217-e222.].

Computer-assisted decision support for the usage of preventive antibacterial therapy in children with febrile pyelonephritis: A preliminary study

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common infectious diseases among children, but there is controversy regarding the use of preventive antibiotics for children first diagnosed with febrile pyelonephritis. To the best of our knowledge, no studies have addressed this issue by the deep learning technology. Therefore, in the current study, we conducted a study using Tc 99 m - DMSA renal static imaging data to investigate the need for preventive antibiotics on children first diagnosed with febrile pyelonephritis under 2 years old. The self-collected dataset comprised 64 children who did not require preventive antibiotic treatments and 112 children who did. Using several classic deep learning models, we verified that it is feasible to screen whether the first diagnosed children with febrile pyelonephritis require preventive antibacterial therapy, achieving a graded diagnosis. With the AlexNet model, we obtained accuracy of 84.05%, sensitivity of 81.71% and specificity of 86.70%, respectively. The experimental results indicate that deep learning technology could provide a new avenue to implement computer-assisted decision support for the diagnosis of the febrile pyelonephritis.

Evaluation of diagnostic accuracy of urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin in patients with symptoms of urinary tract infections: a meta-analysis

Introduction

Early and accurate diagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI) can prevent serious sequelae including chronic kidney disease. Multiple individual studies have identified urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) as a promising biomarker for early diagnosis of UTI. We sought to understand the distribution and diagnostic accuracy of uNGAL values in patients presenting with UTI symptoms.

Methods

Our systematic literature reviews in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Reviews up to March 2024, identified 25 studies reporting mean/median, standard deviation/quartiles, and detection limits of uNGAL in symptomatic patients with and without culture-confirmed UTI. Seventeen studies were in children. Meta-analyses were performed using the quantile estimation (QE) method estimating the distributions of uNGAL, which were then compared between the UTI and non-UTI groups for identifying the best cut-off points maximizing the Youden index. Sensitivity analyses were performed on all 25 studies including adult patients.

Results

We found that uNGAL levels were significantly higher in samples with confirmed UTI compared to those without. In pediatric studies, median and 95% confidence interval (CI) of uNGAL values were 22.41 (95% CI of 9.94, 50.54) ng/mL in non-UTI group vs. 118.85 (95% CI of 43.07, 327.97) ng/mL in UTI group. We estimated the cut-off point of 48.43 ng/mL with highest sensitivity (96%) and specificity (97%) in children. Sensitivity analysis including both pediatric and adult studies yielded similar results.

Discussion

The level of uNGAL in symptomatic patients with confirmed UTI is much higher than that reported in patients without UTI. It may be used as a diagnostic tool to identify UTI early among symptomatic patients. The range of uNGAL concentrations and cut-off points reported in subjects with UTI is much lower than that reported in patients with acute intrinsic kidney injury.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/, PROSPERO (CRD42023370451).

Antimicrobial resistance pattern and uropathogens distribution in children visiting a referral hospital in Mogadishu

Aim: Studies concerning epidemiology and drug susceptibility patterns of pediatric urinary tract infection in developing countries are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial resistance pattern and uropathogens distribution in children. Method: Four-year retrospective study included 840 participants in all pediatric age groups whose urine had been cultured. Results: The prevalence of culture-proven pediatric UTIs was 17.6% (148/840). Escherichia coli was the most common pathogen isolated from the cultures, accounting for (48%, 71/148), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (16.2%, 24/148). About 27% of the pathogens had a multidrug-resistant (MDR) pattern. A resistance rate against nitrofurantoin at 24.6%, fosfomycin at 15.2% and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (SMX-TMP) at 79.7% was noted. Conclusion: E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the most common pathogens isolated.

Outcomes associated with initial narrow-spectrum versus broad-spectrum antibiotics in children hospitalized with urinary tract infections

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to describe the proportion of children hospitalized with urinary tract infections (UTIs) who receive initial narrow- versus broad-spectrum antibiotics across children's hospitals and explore whether the use of initial narrow-spectrum antibiotics is associated with different outcomes.

DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of children aged 2 months to 17 years hospitalized with UTI (inclusive of pyelonephritis) using the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database.

MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES

We analyzed the proportions of children initially receiving narrow- versus broad-spectrum antibiotics; additionally, we compiled antibiogram data for common uropathogenic organisms from participating hospitals to compare with the observed antibiotic susceptibility patterns. We examined the association of antibiotic type with adjusted outcomes including length of stay (LOS), costs, and 7- and 30-day emergency department (ED) revisits and hospital readmissions.

RESULTS

We identified 10,740 hospitalizations for UTI across 39 hospitals. Approximately 5% of encounters demonstrated initial narrow-spectrum antibiotics, with hospital-level narrow-spectrum use ranging from <1% to 25%. Approximately 80% of hospital antibiograms demonstrated >80% Escherichia coli susceptibility to cefazolin. In adjusted models, those who received initial narrow-spectrum antibiotics had shorter LOS (narrow-spectrum: 33.1 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 30.8-35.4) h versus broad-spectrum: 46.1 (95% CI: 44.1-48.2) h) and reduced costs [narrow-spectrum: $4570 ($3751-5568) versus broad-spectrum: $5699 ($5005-$6491)]. There were no differences in ED revisits or hospital readmissions. In summary, children's hospitals have low rates of narrow-spectrum antibiotic use for UTIs despite many reporting high rates of cefazolin-susceptible E. coli. These findings, coupled with the observed decreased LOS and costs among those receiving narrow-spectrum antibiotics, highlight potential antibiotic stewardship opportunities.

Urinary Tract Infections in Children

Despite the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines for the evaluation, treatment, and management of urinary tract infections (UTIs), UTI diagnosis and management remains challenging for clinicians. Challenges with acute UTI management stem from vague presenting signs and symptoms, diagnostic uncertainty, limitations in laboratory testing, and selecting appropriate antibiotic therapy in an era with increasing rates of antibiotic-resistant uropathogens. Recurrent UTI management remains difficult due to an incomplete understanding of the factors contributing to UTI, when to assess a child with repeated infections for kidney and urinary tract anomalies, and limited prevention strategies. To help reduce these uncertainties, this review provides a comprehensive overview of UTI epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies that may help pediatricians overcome the challenges associated with acute and recurrent UTI management.

Urinary tract infections in very premature neonates: the definition dilemma

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Data on urinary tract infections (UTIs) in very preterm neonates (VPTNs) are scarce. We aimed to (i) describe the characteristics of UTIs in VPTNs and (ii) compare the diagnostic practices of neonatal clinicians to established pediatric guidelines.

METHODS

All VPTNs (<29 weeks GA) with a suspected UTI at the CHU Sainte-Justine neonatal intensive care unit from January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2019, were included and divided into two definition categories: Possible UTI, and Definite UTI.

RESULTS

Most episodes were Possible UTI (87%). Symptoms of UTIs and pathogens varied based on the definition category. A positive urinalysis was obtained in 25%. Possible UTI episodes grew 2 organisms in 62% of cases and <50,000 CFU/mL in 62% of cases.

CONCLUSION

Characteristics of UTIs in VPTNs vary based on the definition category and case definitions used by clinicians differ from that of established pediatric guidelines.

Shorter versus longer-course of antibiotic therapy for urinary tract infections in pediatric population: an updated meta-analysis

Urinary tract infections (UTI) affect between 3% to 7.5% of the febrile pediatric population each year, being one of the most common bacterial infections in pediatrics. Nevertheless, there is no consensus in the medical literature regarding the duration of per oral (p.o.) antibiotic therapy for UTI among these patients. Therefore, our meta-analysis aims to assess the most effective therapy length in this scenario. PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing short (≤ 5 days) with long-course (≥ 7 days) per os (p.o.) antibiotic therapy for children with UTI. Statistical analysis was performed using R Studio version 4.2.1, heterogeneity was assessed with I2 statistics, and the risk of bias was evaluated using the RoB-2 tool. Risk Ratios (RR) with p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Seventeen studies involving 1666 pediatric patients were included. Of these, 890 patients (53.4%) were randomized to receive short-course therapy. Patients undergoing short-course therapy showed higher treatment failure rates (RR 1.61; 95% CI 1.15-2.27; p = 0.006). Furthermore, there were no statistically significant differences between groups regarding reinfection (RR 0.73; 95% CI 0.47-1.13; p = 0156) and relapse rates (RR 1.47; 95% CI 0.8-2.71; p = 0.270).  Conclusion: In summary, our results suggest that long-course p.o. antibiotic therapy is associated with a lower rate of treatment failure when compared to short-course p.o. antibiotic therapy. There was no statistical difference between both courses regarding reinfection and relapse rates within 15 months.    PROSPERO identifier: CRD42023456745. What is Known: • Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in children, affecting around 7.5% of those under 18. • The optimal duration of antibiotic treatment for pediatric UTIs has been a subject of debate. What is New: • Short-course therapy (5 or fewer days) was associated with a significantly higher failure rate when compared to long-course therapy. • There was no significant difference in reinfection and relapse rates within 15 months between short and long-course therapy.

Temocillin for febrile urinary tract infections caused by ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae in children: a monocentric exposed/non-exposed study

OBJECTIVES

To compare the efficacy of temocillin with standard of care (SOC) for treatment of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) febrile urinary tract infection (ESBL-E FUTI) in children.

METHODS

A monocentric retrospective study of children hospitalized with confirmed ESBL-E FUTI from January 2015 to May 2022 was conducted, comparing clinical cure and a 3 month relapse between two groups of patients: 'exposed' patients (EP) and 'non-exposed' patients (NEP) to temocillin. EP received temocillin for at least 3 days. They were matched (1:1 ratio) on age group, sex and presence of uropathy with NEP who received SOC antibiotic therapy.

RESULTS

Thirty-six temocillin-treated children (EP) were matched with 36 SOC children (NEP); 72.2% were under 2 years old (n = 52) and 75.0% had a congenital uropathy (n = 54). EPs had more FUTI history (97.2%, n = 35) than NEPs (61.1%, n = 22) (P < 0.01). Clinical cure rate was 98.6% overall, with no difference between the two groups, as for the FUTI relapse rate, which was 37.1% for EPs versus 27.8% for NEPs (P = 0.45). In bivariate analyses, factors associated with relapses were congenital uropathy (91.3% versus 66.7%, P = 0.04) and subtypes of uropathy, with refluxing uropathy and posterior urethral valves being the more prevalent. Median duration of hospitalization was longer in the EPs (8.0 versus 5.0 days) (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The high clinical cure rate and comparable outcomes suggest that temocillin may be an effective therapeutic alternative to standard treatment for ESBL-E FUTI in children.

Pattern of urinary tract infection in children with vesicoureteric reflux: Does breastfeeding reduce the occurrence of urinary tract infection?

Introduction

The protective factors against urinary tract infections (UTIs) in the setting of vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) remain poorly defined. Breastfeeding was suggested as a protective factor against UTI, but its role remains undetermined in this highly susceptible population.

Objectives

The objective of the study was to identify the pattern and risk factors of UTI and investigate the effect of breastfeeding on UTI occurrence in VUR children.

Materials and Methods

This was a mixed-method design, whereby the first part was a cross-sectional study that included children who were diagnosed with VUR and were assessed for their UTI pattern. The second part was a case-control study, which involved contacting the mothers of the children enrolled and questioning them about their breastfeeding pattern, and UTI development was assessed.

Results

Our study included 62 children with a median age of 4.4 (interquartile range = 21) months at diagnosis. Of those, 37 (60%) were male and 25 (40%) were female. Most UTIs occurred in the first 3 months of life, and the first episodes were more frequent in males. Constipation was significantly associated with the occurrence of UTI (relative risk [RR] =1.750 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.231-2.489], P = 0.003). Children with breakthrough UTIs were more likely to have been breastfed for <9 months (odds ratio [OR] = 4.091 [95% CI: 1.287-13.002], P = 0.015) and to have been exclusively breastfed for <2 months (OR = 4.600 [95% CI: 1.337-15.823], P = 0.012).

Conclusion

Children with VUR are more susceptible to UTIs in their 1st year of life. Constipation is a major risk factor for UTI occurrence in VUR children and should be aggressively managed. Breastfeeding for longer durations showed promising protective features against breakthrough UTIs.

Update on imaging recommendations in paediatric uroradiology: the European Society of Paediatric Radiology workgroup session on voiding cystourethrography

Voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) is a fluoroscopic technique that allows the assessment of the urinary tract, including the urethra, bladder, and-if vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is present-the ureters and the pelvicalyceal systems. The technique also allows for the assessment of bladder filling and emptying, providing information on anatomical and functional aspects. VCUG is, together with contrast-enhanced voiding urosonography (VUS), still the gold standard test to diagnose VUR and it is one of the most performed fluoroscopic examinations in pediatric radiology departments. VCUG is also considered a follow-up examination after urinary tract surgery, and one of the most sensitive techniques for studying anatomy of the lower genitourinary tract in suspected anatomical malformations. The international reflux study in 1985 published the first reflux-protocol and graded VUR into five classes; over the following years, other papers have been published on this topic. In 2008, the European Society of Paediatric Radiology (ESPR) Uroradiology Task Force published the first proposed VCUG Guidelines with internal scientific society agreement. The purpose of our work is to create a detailed overview of VCUG indications, procedural recommendations, and to provide a structured final report, with the aim of updating the 2008 VCUG paper proposed by the European Society of Paediatric Radiology (ESPR). We have also compared VCUG with contrast-enhanced VUS as an emergent alternative. As a result of this work, the ESPR Urogenital Task Force strongly recommends the use of contrast-enhanced VUS as a non-radiating imaging technique whenever indicated and possible.

Treatment Delay of Febrile Urinary Tract Infections Among Infants With Respiratory Symptoms

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether antibiotic treatment of febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) is delayed in febrile infants with respiratory symptoms compared with those without.

STUDY DESIGN

Data of infants 2-24 months of age diagnosed with UTI from March 1, 2012 to May 31, 2023 were collected from our hospital's medical charts and triage records. Patients with known congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract or a history of febrile UTI were excluded. Patients were classified as having respiratory symptoms if they had any of the following symptoms or clinical signs: cough, rhinorrhea, pharyngeal hyperemia and otitis media. Time to first antibiotic treatment from fever onset was compared between patients with and without respiratory symptoms. A Cox regression model was constructed to adjust for potential confounders.

RESULTS

A total of 214 patients were eligible for analysis. The median age of the eligible patients was 5.0 months (interquartile range: 3.0-8.8) and 118 (55%) were male. There were 104 and 110 patients in the respiratory symptom and no respiratory symptom groups, respectively. The time to first antibiotic treatment was significantly longer in the group with respiratory symptoms (51 hours vs. 21 hours). Respiratory symptoms were significantly associated with a longer time to first treatment after adjustment for age and sex in the Cox regression model (hazard ratio = 0.63, 95% confidence interval: 0.47-0.84).

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of febrile UTI infants with respiratory symptoms tends to be delayed. Pediatricians should not exclude febrile UTI even in the presence of respiratory symptoms.

Single-Center Experience of Pediatric Cystic Kidney Disease and Literature Review

INTRODUCTION

Pediatric cystic kidney disease (CyKD) includes conditions characterized by renal cysts. Despite extensive research in this field, there are no reliable genetics or other biomarkers to estimate the phenotypic consequences. Therefore, CyKD in children heavily relies on clinical and diagnostic testing to predict the long-term outcomes.

AIM

A retrospective study aimed to provide a concise overview of this condition and analyze real-life data from a single-center pediatric CyKD cohort followed during a 12-year period.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Medical records were reviewed for extensive clinical, laboratory, and radiological data, treatment approaches, and long-term outcomes.

RESULTS

During the study period, 112 patients received a diagnosis of pediatric CyKD. Male patients were more involved than female (1:0.93). Fifty-six patients had a multicystic dysplastic kidney; twenty-one of them had an autosomal dominant disorder; fifteen had an isolated renal cyst; ten had been diagnosed with autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease; three had the tuberous sclerosis complex; two patients each had Bardet-Biedl, Joubert syndrome, and nephronophthisis; and one had been diagnosed with the trisomy 13 condition. Genetic testing was performed in 17.9% of the patients, revealing disease-causing mutations in three-quarters (75.0%) of the tested patients. The most commonly presenting symptoms were abdominal distension (21.4%), abdominal pain (15.2%), and oligohydramnios (12.5%). Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI) were documented in one-quarter of the patients, while 20.5% of them developed hypertension during the long-term follow-up. Antibiotic prophylaxis and antihypertensive treatment were the most employed therapeutic modalities. Seventeen patients progressed to chronic kidney disease (CKD), with thirteen of them eventually reaching end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The time from the initial detection of cysts on an ultrasound (US) to the onset of CKD across the entire cohort was 59.0 (7.0-31124.0) months, whereas the duration from the detection of cysts on an US to the onset of ESRD across the whole cohort was 127.0 (33.0-141.0) months. The median follow-up duration in the cohort was 3.0 (1.0-7.0) years. The patients who progressed to ESRD had clinical symptoms at the time of initial clinical presentation.

CONCLUSION

This study is the first large cohort of patients reported from Croatia. The most common CyKD was the multicystic dysplastic kidney disease. The most common clinical presentation was abdominal distention, abdominal pain, and oliguria. The most common long-term complications were recurrent UTIs, hypertension, CKD, and ESRD.

Antibiotic Stewardship and Treatment of Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in Children and Adolescents in the Emergency Department of a Community Hospital

A retrospective, cross-sectional study of children with suspected urinary tract infections (UTIs) 3 months to 18 years of age who had a urinalysis and urine culture (UC) during an emergency department (ED) visit between 2019 and 2020 was performed. Chi-square, Fisher exact, and independent samples T tests were used as appropriate. Median age was 6.6 years (interquartile range = 3.3-12.4). Urinalysis positivity was 92.8%, of which 81.9% of children were prescribed a first-line antibiotic. First-line antibiotic use was 82.7%. Positive UC rate was 84.7%, with 84% receiving a first-line antibiotic (P = .025). The correlation between a positive urinalysis and a positive UC was 80.8% (P < .001). Change of antibiotics based on the uropathogen of positive UCs was 6.3% (P < .001). The urinalysis and UC guided the diagnosis and treatment of UTIs. First-line antibiotics can be safely administered in the ED and prescribed for positive urinalyses. Studies are needed to evaluate the discontinuation of antibiotics with negative UCs as part of antibiotic stewardship initiatives.

Incidence of Pediatric Urinary Tract Infections Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

IMPORTANCE

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is common in children, but the population incidence is largely unknown. Controversy surrounds the optimal diagnostic criteria and how to balance the risks of undertreatment and overtreatment. Changes in health care use during the COVID-19 pandemic created a natural experiment to examine health care use and UTI diagnosis and outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the population incidence of UTI in children and assess the changes of the COVID-19 pandemic regarding UTI diagnoses and measures of UTI severity.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This retrospective observational cohort study used US commercial claims data from privately insured patients aged 0 to 17 years from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2021.

EXPOSURE

Time periods included prepandemic (January 1, 2016, to February 29, 2020), early pandemic (April 1 to June 30, 2020), and midpandemic (July 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021).

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was the incidence of UTI, defined as having a UTI diagnosis code with an accompanying antibiotic prescription. Balancing measures included measures of UTI severity, including hospitalizations and intensive care unit admissions. Trends were evaluated using an interrupted time-series analysis.

RESULTS

The cohort included 13 221 117 enrollees aged 0 to 17 years, with males representing 6 744 250 (51.0%) of the population. The mean incidence of UTI diagnoses was 1.300 (95% CI, 1.296-1.304) UTIs per 100 patient-years. The UTI incidence was 0.86 per 100 patient-years at age 0 to 1 year, 1.58 per 100 patient-years at 2 to 5 years, 1.24 per 100 patient-years at 6 to 11 years, and 1.37 per 100 patient-years at 12 to 17 years, and was higher in females vs males (2.48 [95% CI, 2.46-2.50] vs 0.180 [95% CI, 0.178-0.182] per 100 patient-years). Compared with prepandemic trends, UTIs decreased in the early pandemic: -33.1% (95% CI, -39.4% to -26.1%) for all children and -52.1% (95% CI, -62.1% to -39.5%) in a subgroup of infants aged 60 days or younger. However, all measures of UTI severity decreased or were not significantly different. The UTI incidence returned to near prepandemic rates (-4.3%; 95% CI, -32.0% to 34.6% for all children) after the first 3 months of the pandemic.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this cohort study, UTI diagnosis decreased during the early pandemic period without an increase in measures of disease severity, suggesting that reduced overdiagnosis and/or reduced misdiagnosis may be an explanatory factor.

Clinical Course of Children 1 to 24 Months Old With Positive Urine Cultures Without Pyuria

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical course of children with positive urine cultures without pyuria who were not given antibiotics initially, identify predictors of subsequent antibiotic treatment, and evaluate the association between subsequent treatment and urinary tract infection (UTI) within 30 days.

METHODS

We conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study of children 1 to 24 months old who had positive urine cultures without pyuria and who were not started on antibiotics upon presentation to 3 health care systems from 2010 to 2021. Outcomes included clinical status at the time urine cultures resulted, escalation of care (emergency department visit or hospitalization) and subsequent antibiotic treatment within 7 days, and subsequent UTI within 30 days of presentation.

RESULTS

Of 202 included children, 61% were female and median age was 9 months. Of 151 patients with clinical status information when cultures resulted, 107 (70.8%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 62.9-77.9%) were improved. Two of 202 children (1.0%, 95% CI 0.2-4.0%) experienced care escalation. Antibiotics were started in 142 (82.2%) children, and treatment was associated with prior UTI (risk ratio [RR] 1.20, 95% CI 1.15-1.26) and lack of improvement (RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.13-1.33). Subsequent UTI was diagnosed in 2 of 164 (1.2%, 95% CI 0.1-4.3%) treated and 0 of 36 (0%, 95% CI 0-9.7%) untreated children.

CONCLUSIONS

Seventy percent of children with positive urine cultures without pyuria improved before starting antibiotics; however, >80% were ultimately treated. Future research should study the impact of diagnostic stewardship interventions and various urine testing strategies to optimize the management of children evaluated for UTI.retain-->.

Just Get in Line: Rural-Urban Differences in Access to Pediatric Renal-Bladder Ultrasounds

INTRODUCTION

Health-care disparities in rural and underserved areas may be exacerbated by the pandemic, personnel challenges, and supply chain limitations. This study aimed to quantify current variation in rural and urban pediatric renal ultrasound availability.

METHODS

We identified all hospitals statewide and contacted radiology departments posing as a parent trying to schedule an appointment for a routine pediatric renal-bladder ultrasound. Intervals between day of contact and first available appointment were compared between rural and urban institutions.

RESULTS

We were able to contact 42/48 (87.5%) rural hospitals, and 20/39 (51.3%) urban hospitals. Scheduling could not be completed in 5 rural and 7 urban hospitals. The median wait time for the 37 remaining rural and 13 remaining urban hospitals was similar: 7 (range: 0-21) days in rural hospitals and 6 (range: 0-17) days in urban hospitals (P = 0.81). If contact was made, the likelihood of scheduling within 7 d was similar in rural and urban areas (odds ratio [OR] = 0.23; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.03-1.97; P = 0.18). However, patients were much more likely to have a completed call at a rural hospital (OR = 6.65; 95% CI: 2.3-19.2; P = 0.0005), and so in reality, patients were 2.89 times as likely to be able to schedule an renal-bladder ultrasound within 7 d at a rural compared with an urban institution (95% CI: 1.19-7.03; P = 0.019).

CONCLUSIONS

While access to pediatric renal sonograms was similar within a week at rural and urban institutions once telephone contact was made, it was significantly more difficult to schedule appointments at urban institutions.

Conflicting views of physicians and surgeons concerning pediatric urinary tract infection: a comparative review

BACKGROUND

A first febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common condition in children, and pathways of management have evolved over time.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the extent to which pediatricians and surgeons differ in their investigation and management of a first febrile UTI, and to evaluate the justifications for any divergence of approach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature search was conducted for papers addressing investigation and/or management following a first febrile UTI in children published between 2011 and 2021. Searches were conducted on Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. To be eligible for inclusion, a paper was required to provide recommendations on one or more of the following: ultrasound (US) and voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG), the need for continuous antibiotic prophylaxis and surgery when vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) was detected. The authorship required at least one pediatrician or surgeon. Authorship was categorized as medical, surgical, or combined.

RESULTS

Pediatricians advocated less imaging and intervention and were more inclined to adopt a "watchful-waiting" approach, confident that any significant abnormality, grades IV-V VUR in particular, should be detected following a second febrile UTI. In contrast, surgeons were more likely to recommend imaging to detect VUR (p<0.00001), and antibiotic prophylaxis (p<0.001) and/or surgical correction (p=0.004) if it was detected, concerned that any delay in diagnosis and treatment could place the child at risk of kidney damage. Papers with combined authorship displayed intermediate results.

CONCLUSION

There are two distinct directions in the literature regarding the investigation of an uncomplicated first febrile UTI in a child. In general, when presented with a first febrile UTI in a child, physicians recommend fewer investigations and less treatment, in contrast to surgeons who advocate extensive investigation and aggressive intervention in the event that imaging detects an abnormality. This has the potential to confuse the carers of affected children.

Evaluation of new generation systemic immune-inflammation markers to predict urine culture growth in urinary tract infection in children

Objective

Systemic inflammation has been implicated in the development and progression of urinary tract infection (UTI). Accordingly, the aim of this study is to determine whether the white blood cell (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) are useful markers to predict of urine culture growth in children with UTI. The second aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of UTI pathogens, antibiotic resistance patterns, and empirical treatment options in children diagnosed with UTI based on laboratory and clinical findings.

Method

The study population comprised 413 cases (positive urine culture) and 318 cases (negative urine culture) of pediatric patients with UTI.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference observed in the median levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet between the negative and positive culture groups. The median levels of monocytes, WBC, NLR, SII, and CRP of the patients with a positive urine culture were shown to be statistically significantly higher than the patients with a negative urine culture. The AUC value was 0.747 (0.710-0.784) for CRP with a cutoff value of 3.2, the sensitivity value was 56.4%, and the specificity value was 98.4% in terms of UTI. The AUC value was 0.733 (0.697-0.769) for SII with a cutoff value of 600, the sensitivity value was 58.4%, and the specificity value was 83.0%. The AUC value was 0.732 (0.697-0.769) for NLR with a cutoff value of 2, the sensitivity value was 57.4%, and the specificity value was 81.1%.

Conclusion

WBC, CRP, NLR, PLR, and SII could potentially serve as useful independent diagnostic or complementary markers for disease in children diagnosed with UTI who exhibit a positive urine culture. Escherichia coli was found to be the most common causative agent, and the commonly prescribed antibiotic was cephalosporin. However, it was observed that all identified agents of pediatric UTIs in our center exhibited high resistance to cefuroxime, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, cefixime, ampicillin, and ceftriaxone.

High Rates of ESBL-producing and Gentamycin-resistant Gram-negative Bacteria During the First Week of Life: A Multicenter Cross-sectional Study Among Infants Younger Than 2 Months With Urinary Tract Infection

INTRODUCTION

Reducing the risk of renal scarring in infants with urinary tract infection (UTI) necessitates timely and effective administration of antimicrobial treatment. The Israeli Medical Association recommends the empirical use of gentamicin and ampicillin for febrile infants younger than 2 months with suspected UTI. We aimed to assess the prevalence of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL)-producing and gentamicin-resistant Gram-negative UTI among infants younger than 2 months.

METHODS

A multicenter retrospective cross-sectional study of infants younger than 2 months with UTI who visited Clalit Health Services pediatric emergency departments between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2021. The primary outcome measure was the prevalence of ESBL-associated and gentamicin-resistant UTI. The secondary outcome measure was the factors associated with such resistant bacteria.

RESULTS

Overall, 1142 infants were included. Sixty-five (5.7%) and 64 (5.6%) infants had gentamicin-resistant and ESBL-producing Gram-negative UTI, respectively. Forty-two percent of ESBL-associated UTI were gentamicin-resistant. Higher ESBL rates were found during first week of life (14.8% versus 4.1%-7.7%; P = 0.009). Similarly, higher rates of gentamicin resistance were found in this age group (11.2%). Admission rate to pediatric intensive care units (ICUs) was higher in infants with ESBL-associated UTI (9.8% versus 3.5%; P = 0.015). Gestational bacteriuria, previous neonatal ICU admission or gender were not associated with either gentamicin or ESBL-producing resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings support the current recommendations for empirical intravenous treatment. However, modification of the treatment protocol should be considered for infants younger than 7 days, who had higher rates of ESBL-producing and gentamicin-resistant Gram-negative UTI.

Trends in Antibiotic Resistance Patterns and Burden of Escherichia Coli Infections in Young Children: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study in Shenzhen, China from 2014-2018

Purpose

The emergence of multi-drug resistant ESBL-producing E. coli poses a global health problem. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of E. coli infections and their antibiotic susceptibility profiles in paediatric clinical cases in Shenzhen, China from Jan 1, 2014, to Jan 30, 2019, while also determining temporal trends, identifying ESBL-producing strains, and recommending potential empirical antibiotic therapy options.

Methods

We isolated a total of 4148 E. coli from different specimens from a single paediatric healthcare centre. Additionally, we obtained relevant demographic data from the hospital's electronic health records. Subsequently, we performed antimicrobial susceptibility testing for 8 classes of antibiotics and assessed ESBL production.

Results

Out of the 4148 isolates, 2645 were from males. The highest burden of E. coli was observed in the age group of 0-1 years, which gradually declined over the five-year study period. Antimicrobial susceptibility results indicated that 82% of E. coli isolates were highly resistant to ampicillin, followed by 52.36% resistant to cefazolin and 47.46% resistant to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Notably, a high prevalence of ESBL production (49.54%) was observed among the E. coli isolates, with 60% of them displaying a multi-drug resistance phenotype. However, it is worth mentioning that a majority of the isolates remained susceptible to ertapenem and imipenem. Our findings also highlighted a decrease in E. coli infections in Shenzhen, primarily among hospitalized patients in the 0-1 year age group. However, this decline was accompanied by a considerably high rate of ESBL production and increasing resistance to multiple antibiotics.

Conclusion

Our study underscores the urgent need for effective strategies to combat multi-drug resistant ESBL-producing E. coli Infections.

Kidney Ultrasonography After First Febrile Urinary Tract Infection in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Importance

Controversy exists on the clinical utility of kidney ultrasonography after first febrile urinary tract infection (UTI), and clinical practice guideline recommendations vary.

Objective

To determine the prevalence of urinary tract abnormalities detected on kidney ultrasonography after the first febrile UTI in children.

Data Sources

The MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched for articles published from January 1, 2000, to September 20, 2022.

Study Selection

Studies of children with first febrile UTI reporting kidney ultrasonography findings.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts for eligibility. Study characteristics and outcomes were extracted from each article. Data on the prevalence of kidney ultrasonography abnormalities were pooled using a random-effects model.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was prevalence of urinary tract abnormalities and clinically important abnormalities (those that changed clinical management) detected on kidney ultrasonography. Secondary outcomes included the urinary tract abnormalities detected, surgical intervention, health care utilization, and parent-reported outcomes.

Results

Twenty-nine studies were included, with a total of 9170 children. Of the 27 studies that reported participant sex, the median percentage of males was 60% (range, 11%-80%). The prevalence of abnormalities detected on renal ultrasonography was 22.1% (95% CI, 16.8-27.9; I2 = 98%; 29 studies, all ages) and 21.9% (95% CI, 14.7-30.1; I2 = 98%; 15 studies, age <24 months). The prevalence of clinically important abnormalities was 3.1% (95% CI, 0.3-8.1; I2 = 96%; 8 studies, all ages) and 4.5% (95% CI, 0.5-12.0; I2 = 97%; 5 studies, age <24 months). Study recruitment bias was associated with a higher prevalence of abnormalities. The most common findings detected were hydronephrosis, pelviectasis, and dilated ureter. Urinary tract obstruction was identified in 0.4% (95% CI, 0.1-0.8; I2 = 59%; 12 studies), and surgical intervention occurred in 1.4% (95% CI, 0.5-2.7; I2 = 85%; 13 studies). One study reported health care utilization. No study reported parent-reported outcomes.

Conclusions and Relevance

Results suggest that 1 in 4 to 5 children with first febrile UTI will have a urinary tract abnormality detected on kidney ultrasonography and 1 in 32 will have an abnormality that changes clinical management. Given the considerable study heterogeneity and lack of comprehensive outcome measurement, well-designed prospective longitudinal studies are needed to fully evaluate the clinical utility of kidney ultrasonography after first febrile UTI.

Urinary Tract Infections Caused by Uropathogenic Escherichia coli: Mechanisms of Infection and Treatment Options

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common bacterial infections that represent a severe public health problem. They are often caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumonia), Proteus mirabilis (P. mirabilis), Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis), and Staphylococcus saprophyticus (S. saprophyticus). Among these, uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) are the most common causative agent in both uncomplicated and complicated UTIs. The adaptive evolution of UPEC has been observed in several ways, including changes in colonization, attachment, invasion, and intracellular replication to invade the urothelium and survive intracellularly. While antibiotic therapy has historically been very successful in controlling UTIs, high recurrence rates and increasing antimicrobial resistance among uropathogens threaten to greatly reduce the efficacy of these treatments. Furthermore, the gradual global emergence of multidrug-resistant UPEC has highlighted the need to further explore its pathogenesis and seek alternative therapeutic and preventative strategies. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the clinical status and pathogenesis of UTIs and the advantages and disadvantages of antibiotics as a conventional treatment option could spark a surge in the search for alternative treatment options, especially vaccines and medicinal plants. Such options targeting multiple pathogenic mechanisms of UPEC are expected to be a focus of UTI management in the future to help combat antibiotic resistance.

Antibiotic Use for Common Infections in Pediatric Emergency Departments: A Narrative Review

Antibiotics are one of the most prescribed medications in pediatric emergency departments. Antimicrobial stewardship programs assist in the reduction of antibiotic use in pediatric patients. However, the establishment of antimicrobial stewardship programs in pediatric EDs remains challenging. Recent studies provide evidence that common infectious diseases treated in the pediatric ED, including acute otitis media, tonsillitis, community-acquired pneumonia, preseptal cellulitis, and urinary-tract infections, can be treated with shorter antibiotic courses. Moreover, there is still controversy regarding the actual need for antibiotic treatment and the optimal dosing scheme for each infection.

The Association between Serum Vitamin D Levels and Urinary Tract Infection Risk in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The association between serum vitamin D levels and urinary tract infection (UTI) in children is unclear. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the relationships between different vitamin D levels and the likelihood of UTI in children. Online databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library, were searched up to 6 February 2023 for studies based on the inclusion criteria. Weighted mean difference (WMD) and Odds Ratios (ORs), along with their 95% confidence intervals (CI), were calculated, and the random-effects model was used for analysis. Twelve case-control studies and one cross-sectional study (839 children with UTI and 929 controls) were included. We found that children with UTI had lower levels of serum vitamin D than healthy controls (WMD: -7.730, 95% CI: -11.57, -3.89; p < 0.001). Low vitamin D levels were significantly associated with UTI in children (OR: 2.80; 95% CI: 1.55, 5.05; p = 0.001). The likelihood of children having a UTI significantly increased when their serum vitamin D level was less than 20 ng/mL (OR: 5.49, 95% CI: 1.12, 27.04; p = 0.036). Therefore, vitamin D level, especially when less than 20 ng/mL, is a risk factor in UTI.

Elevated Urinary Hepcidin Level and Hypoferremia in Infants with Febrile Urinary Tract Infection: A Prospective Cohort Study

To evaluate the kinetics of serum and urinary hepcidin levels along with anemia-related parameters during the infection course of infants with febrile urinary tract infection (UTI), we enrolled febrile infants aged one to four months in this prospective study. Febrile patients with UTI were allocated into Escherichia coli (E. coli) or non-E. coli groups according to urine culture results. Septic workup, blood hepcidin, iron profile, urinalysis, and urinary hepcidin-creatinine ratio were collected upon admission and 3 days after antibiotic treatment. In total, 118 infants were included. On admission, the febrile UTI group showed a significant reduction in serum iron level and a significant elevation of urinary hepcidin-creatinine ratio compared to the febrile control counterpart. Moreover, urinary hepcidin-creatinine ratio had the highest odds ratio, 2.01, in logistics regression analysis. After 3 days of antibiotic treatment, hemoglobin and the urinary hepcidin-creatinine ratio were significantly decreased. Patients with an E. coli UTI had a significantly decreased urinary hepcidin-creatinine ratio after 3 days of antibiotics treatment, whereas the non-E. coli group showed insignificant changes. Our study suggested that the urinary hepcidin-creatinine ratio elevated during acute febrile urinary tract infection and significantly decreased after 3 days of antibiotics treatment, especially in E. coli UTI.

The Role of Urinary NGAL in the Management of Primary Vesicoureteral Reflux in Children

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is the most frequent congenital urinary tract malformation and an important risk factor for urinary tract infections (UTIs). Up to 50% of children with VUR may develop reflux nephropathy (RN), and the diagnosis and monitoring of renal scars are invasive and costly procedures, so it is paramount to find a non-invasive and accurate method to predict the risk of renal damage. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) has already proven to be a good predictive biomarker in acute kidney injuries, but there are few studies that have investigated the role of NGAL in primary VUR in children. Our aim is to review the predictive value of urine NGAL (uNGAL) as a non-invasive biomarker of RN in children with primary VUR, as well as its ability to predict the evolution of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Based on our analysis of the available original studies, uNGAL can be an accurate and reliable biomarker of RN and its progression to CKD. Some studies suggested a good correlation between VUR severity and uNGAL levels, but other studies found no significant correlation. The relationship between VUR severity and uNGAL levels is likely complex and influenced by factors such as UTIs, the timing of the urine sample collection, and the age and overall health of the patient.

Use of Temporary Double-J Stent Placement for Children With Congenital Hydronephrosis: A Long-Term Single-Center Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the utilization of double-J stents in children with congenital hydronephrosis in order to avoid or postpone more invasive surgical intervention. Numerous studies have demonstrated that congenital hydronephrosis caused by ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) or primary obstructive megaureter (POM) may require a surgical correction in up to 20% of cases.

METHODS

All infants with severe hydronephrosis and/or an obstructive pattern on renal scintigraphy that received double-J stent placement between 2010 to 2015 in our center were analyzed. Children were followed regularly with ultrasound and received antibiotic metaphylaxis. Urinary tract infection (UTI) and double-J dislocation were defined as complications. Treatment success was defined as avoidance of surgery and reduction of hydronephrosis to grade 1 or 0 during the observation period.

RESULTS

29 children were included, in these, 34 (23 UPJO, 7 POM, 4 UPJO and POM) treatment attempts were performed. Stent implantation failed in six cases, resulting in 28 double-J stent treatments, of which 19 (69%) were successful within the follow-up period of 20 to 104 months. The most common complications were febrile UTI in 6 of29 cases and double-J dislocation in 3 of 29 cases.

CONCLUSION

During the observation period, the success rate of temporary double-J in urodynamically relevant obstruction was relatively high. However, urinary tract infections and a complex disease course due to renal stent dislocation, as well as the need for repeated anesthesia and radiation exposure, should be taken into account. Hence, we do not recommend double-J stents placement in all children with congenital hydronephrosis; it may be useful in selected cases.

Primary Vesicoureteral Reflux and Renal Scarring

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is the commonest congenital anomaly of urinary tract in children. It is mostly diagnosed after a urinary tract infection or during evaluation for congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract. High-grade VUR, recurrent pyelonephritis, and delayed initiation of antibiotic treatment are important risk factors for renal scarring. The management of VUR depends on multiple factors and may include surveillance only or antimicrobial prophylaxis; very few patients with VUR need surgical correction. Patients with renal scarring should be monitored for hypertension and those with significant scarring should also be monitored for proteinuria and chronic kidney disease.

Effect of Educational intervention based on Health Belief Model on promoting preventive behaviours of urinary tract infections in mothers with children under 6-Years of age

Background

Children are one of the most vulnerable social groups to infectious diseases, and prevention of urinary tract infections in children is very important; therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of education based on health belief model (HBM) on promoting preventive behaviours of urinary tract infection in mothers with children under 6-years of age.

Methods

This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 150 women with children under 6 years of age referred to health centers in Fasa city, Iran in 2021. Subjects were selected using simple sampling method and were randomly divided into intervention (n = 75) and control (n = 75) groups. The educational intervention for the experimental group consisted of 6 virtual training sessions of 40–50 min using lecture, question and answer, group discussion and video clips. Two virtual follow-up sessions were also held one month and two months after the educational intervention. Three months after the educational intervention, both experimental and control groups completed the questionnaire. Data were analysed by using SPSS 22 through Chi-square, independent t-test, and paired t-test (p > 0.05).

Results

Before the intervention, based on independent t-test and paired t-test, the mean score of HBM constructs were not significantly different between the control and intervention groups (P > 0.05). However, while perceived barriers significantly decreased (P < 0.05) after the intervention, the mean score of knowledge, ‌ perceived sensitivity and severity, perceived benefits, ‌ self-efficacy, cues to action, and performance significantly increased (P < 0.05) after the intervention.

Conclusion

Considering the effect of training preventive behaviours of urinary tract infection based on HBM, application of the model as an effective and cost-effective method along with other methods is recommended for educational programs of mothers with children under 6 years of age.

Risk Factors of Urinary Pathogenic Bacteria Infection after Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Surgery and Curative Effect Analysis of Shuangdong Capsule Intervention

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common and frequently occurring disease in clinics, with the main manifestations including frequent micturition, urinary incontinence, dysuria, and endless urination. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the main treatment for BPH, but some patients are prone to urinary tract infection after surgery, which affects the prognosis. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the pathogenic characteristics and risk factors of postoperative urinary-derived pathogenic bacteria infection in patients with BPH for the prevention and treatment of postoperative infection. In addition, the treatment of patients with this disease is also the focus of clinical attention. Long-term massive application of antibiotics can induce drug-resistant mutations of bacteria, so it is urgent to find an efficient and safe therapeutic scheme in clinics. However, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history of treating urinary tract infections. Therefore, Shuangdong capsule, a traditional Chinese medicine preparation, was selected for the combined treatment in this study. The results showed that age, concomitant diabetes mellitus, and preoperative prophylactic application of antibiotics were the independent risk factors for postoperative urine-derived pathogenic infection in BPH patients. Clinical intervention for BPH patients with concomitant risk factors should be emphasized in clinical practice. The combined use of Shuangdong capsule and conventional western medicine can improve the clinical symptoms and inflammatory reactions of postoperative urine-derived pathogenic infection in BPH patients. Due to its exact curative effect and high safety, it is worthy of promotion. The clinical study registration number is M2022019.

A study of the 20-year evolution of antimicrobial resistance patterns of pediatric urinary tract infections in a single center

Febrile urinary tract infections (UTIs) are important bacterial infections in children but increasingly difficult to treat due to antimicrobial resistance. We performed a retrospective analysis of the prevalence of uropathogens in hospitalized children with a febrile UTI between 2000 and 2019 in our university hospital to get more insight into trend and determinants of antimicrobial resistance over time. There were 1010 hospitalizations in children with a median age of 1.1 years. Thirty-six percent had an abnormal ultrasound and/or the presence of vesico-ureteral reflux, defined as CAKUT. Escherichia coli was the most prevalent pathogen (76%). However, there was an increasing prevalence towards other gram-negative organisms over time, and these pathogens were more common in children with congenital anomalies of kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) (OR 4.26 (3.14-5.78), p < 0.001). E. coli strains demonstrated an increase in resistance against amoxicillin clavulanic acid (AMC) over time from 16% (2000-2004) to 36% (2015-2019) with an average increase of 2.0%/year; this was + 1.1%/year for third-generation cephalosporin. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that prior antibiotic use was an additional risk factor for antimicrobial resistance in E. coli. Nevertheless, increasing resistance was also observed in children without reported previous antibiotic treatment (+ 1.9%/year, p = 0.04).    Conclusion: We observed a significant pattern of increasing antimicrobial resistance of E. coli within a relatively short period of time, making it increasingly difficult to treat pediatric UTIs. This pattern was also seen in children without underlying risk factors (recent antibiotic treatment or structural urological disease). This is indicative for a larger problem in the general population and an important threat to our current standard of health care. What is Known: • Escherichia coli is the most frequent pathogen in pediatric urinary tract infections. • There is an increasing antimicrobial resistance against commonly used antibiotics in urinary tract infections. What is New: • The first 20-year retrospective, longitudinal study on characteristics of the microorganisms of pediatric urinary tract infections in a single center. • A 1-2% yearly increase in antimicrobial resistance, not only in children with congenital anomalies of the kidneys or recent antibiotic treatment but also in children without risk factors.

Management of Pediatric Urinary Tract Infections: A Delphi Study

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common infectious diseases in the pediatric population and represents a major cause of antibiotic consumption and hospitalization in children. Considering the ongoing controversies on the management of pediatric UTI and the challenges due to increasing antimicrobial resistance, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the level of agreement on UTI management in pediatric age in Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy, and to assess on the basis of recent studies whether there is the need to change current recommendations used by primary care pediatricians, hospital pediatricians, and pediatric surgeons in everyday clinical practice to possibly improve outcomes. This consensus provides clear and shared indications on UTI management in pediatric age, based on the most updated literature. This work represents, in our opinion, the most complete and up-to-date collection of statements on procedures to follow for pediatric UTI, in order to guide physicians in the management of the patient, standardize approaches, and avoid abuse and misuse of antibiotics. Undoubtedly, more randomized and controlled trials are needed in the pediatric population to better define the best therapeutic management in cases with antimicrobial resistance and real usefulness of long-term antibiotic prophylaxis.

Treatment and Epidemiology of Third-Generation Cephalosporin-Resistant Urinary Tract Infections

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Limited data are available on the contemporary epidemiology, clinical management, and health care utilization for pediatric urinary tract infection (UTI) due to third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacterales (G3CR) in the United States. The objective is to describe the epidemiology, antimicrobial treatment and response, and health care utilization associated with G3CR UTI.

METHODS

Multisite, matched cohort-control study including children with G3CR UTI versus non-G3CR UTI. UTI was defined as per American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines, and G3CR as resistance to ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, or ceftazidime. We collected data from the acute phase of illness to 6 months thereafter.

RESULTS

Among 107 children with G3CR UTI and 206 non-G3CR UTI with documented assessment of response, the proportion with significant improvement on initial therapy was similar (52% vs 57%; odds ratio [OR], 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.44-1.50). Patients with G3CR were more frequently hospitalized at presentation (38% vs 17%; OR, 3.03; 95% CI, 1.77-5.19). In the follow-up period, more patients with G3CR had urine cultures (75% vs 53%; OR, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.33-5.24), antimicrobial treatment of any indication (53% vs 29%; OR, 2.82; 95% CI, 1.47-5.39), and subspecialty consultation (23% vs 6%; OR, 4.52; 95% CI, 2.10-10.09). In multivariate analysis, previous systemic antimicrobial therapy remained a significant risk factor for G3CR UTI (adjusted OR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.06-3.44).

CONCLUSIONS

We did not observe a significant difference in response to therapy between G3CR and susceptible UTI, but subsequent health care utilization was significantly increased.

Nomogram for diagnosing acute pyelonephritis in pediatric urinary tract infection

BACKGROUND

For risk stratification and individualized treatment for children with urinary tract infection (UTI), they must be assessed for the presence of acute pyelonephritis (APN). Our study aimed to combine variables that can predict APN and establish a nomogram for clinical use.

METHODS

In total, 111 children <5 years old hospitalized at Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital for UTI were classified into APN and simple UTI groups based on a technetium-99 m dimercaptosuccinic acid scan. Their demographic, laboratory test, and renal and urinary bladder sonography (RUBS) data were compared.

RESULTS

Fever peak of >39 °C, serum procalcitonin (PCT) ≥ 0.52 pg/mL, C-reactive protein (CRP) ≥ 2.86 mg/dL, and abnormal RUBS findings were independent variables for predicting APN in children. The nomogram established using the aforementioned variables had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.89, which was higher than those of PCT and CRP alone (0.776 and 0.774, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The combination of four variables had the highest power in predicting APN in children with UTI. The established nomogram is practical for clinical use.

Effect of a virtual simulated participant experience on antibiotic stewardship knowledge among pre-licensure baccalaureate nursing students: A pilot study

BACKGROUND

Antibiotic resistant infections are a growing global public health threat poised to render antibiotics ineffective in treating even the most common infectious diseases. It is essential that future nurses have the knowledge and skills to keep patients safe from antibiotic harm in all health care settings, however, studies indicate that there is limited education provided in nursing schools regarding antibiotic use, antibiotic resistance, and antibiotic stewardship nursing practices.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the effect of a virtual, scenario-based simulation experience using simulated participants on pre-licensure baccalaureate nursing students' antibiotic, antibiotic resistance, and antibiotic stewardship nursing practice knowledge.

METHODS

A quasi-experiential repeated measure pre-posttest design was used with a convenience sample of 165 pre-licensure baccalaureate nursing students enrolled in a health promotion course at a private university in the northeast region of the United States. The NLN Jeffries Simulation Theory guided the virtual simulation experience and used simulated participants methodology.

RESULTS

All students participated in the simulation experience. Statistically significant increases were noted (p < 0.005) in antibiotic, antibiotic use, and antibiotic resistance knowledge between the pre and post surveys. The most significant changes were in knowledge of antibiotic stewardship nursing practices.

CONCLUSION

Integration of virtual, scenario-based simulations provided students an active learning opportunity to practice antibiotic stewardship assessment and practice skills through real life-like situational experiences with simulated participants, resulting in improved antibiotic, antibiotic resistance, and antibiotic stewardship knowledge.

Contemporary Management of Urinary Tract Infections in Children

Purpose of Review

Urinary tract infection (UTI) in children is a major source of office visits and healthcare expenditure. Research into the diagnosis, treatment, and prophylaxis of UTI has evolved over the past 10 years. The development of new imaging techniques and UTI screening tools has improved our diagnostic accuracy tremendously. Identifying who to treat is imperative as the increase in multi-drug-resistant organisms has emphasized the need for antibiotic stewardship. This review covers the contemporary management of children with UTI and the data-driven paradigm shifts that have been implemented into clinical practice.

Recent Findings

With recent data illustrating the self-limiting nature and low prevalence of clinically significant vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), investigational imaging in children has become increasingly less frequent. Contrast-enhanced voiding urosonogram (CEVUS) has emerged as a useful diagnostic tool, as it can provide accurate detection of VUR without the need of radiation. The urinary and intestinal microbiomes are being investigated as potential therapeutic drug targets, as children with recurrent UTIs have significant alterations in bacterial proliferation. Use of adjunctive corticosteroids in children with pyelonephritis may decrease the risk of renal scarring and progressive renal insufficiency. The development of a vaccine against an antigen present on Escherichia coli may change the way we treat children with recurrent UTIs.

Summary

The American Academy of Pediatrics defines a UTI as the presence of at least 50,000 CFU/mL of a single uropathogen obtained by bladder catheterization with a dipstick urinalysis positive for leukocyte esterase (LE) or WBC present on urine microscopy. UTIs are more common in females, with uncircumcised males having the highest risk in the first year of life. E. coli is the most frequently cultured organism in UTI diagnoses and multi-drug-resistant strains are becoming more common. Diagnosis should be confirmed with an uncontaminated urine specimen, obtained from mid-stream collection, bladder catheterization, or suprapubic aspiration. Patients meeting criteria for imaging should undergo a renal and bladder ultrasound, with further investigational imaging based on results of ultrasound or clinical history. Continuous antibiotic prophylaxis is controversial; however, evidence shows patients with high-grade VUR and bladder and bowel dysfunction retain the most benefit. Open surgical repair of reflux is the gold standard for patients who fail medical management with endoscopic approaches available for select populations.

Diagnosing and Treating Urinary Tract Infections in the Outpatient Setting

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common diagnosis that brings children to seek medical care. It is the second most common bacterial infection in children after otitis media. However, diagnosing UTIs can be challenging, particularly in younger children, given that the symptoms may be nonspecific and it may be logistically difficult to obtain an appropriate urine sample. Importantly, if not correctly identified and treated, infections of the urinary tract can lead to complications, including renal scarring, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. Thus, it is critical for pediatric providers to recognize, diagnose, and treat UTI appropriately. This article aims to provide a general overview of the risk factors for UTI as well as a practical approach to diagnosing and treating UTIs in children in the outpatient setting. [Pediatr Ann. 2022;51(5):e175-e177.].

Examination of Complementary Medicine for Treating Urinary Tract Infections Among Pregnant Women and Children

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a significant clinical problem that pregnant women and children commonly experience. Escherichia coli is the primary causative organism, along with several other gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Antimicrobial drugs are commonly prescribed to treat UTIs in these patients. Conventional treatment can range from using broad-spectrum antimicrobial drugs for empirical or prophylactic therapy or patient-tailored therapy based on urinary cultures and sensitivity to prospective antibiotics. The ongoing emergence of multi-drug resistant pathogens has raised concerns related to commonly prescribed antimicrobial drugs such as those used routinely to treat UTIs. Consequently, several natural medicines have been explored as potential complementary therapies to improve health outcomes in patients with UTIs. This review discusses the effectiveness of commonly used natural products such as cranberry juice/extracts, ascorbic acid, hyaluronic acid, probiotics, and multi-component formulations intended to treat and prevent UTIs. The combination of natural products with prescribed antimicrobial treatments and use of formulations that contained high amounts of cranberry extracts appear to be most effective in preventing recurrent UTIs (RUTIs). The incorporation of natural products like cranberry, hyaluronic acid, ascorbic acid, probiotics, Canephron® N, and Cystenium II to conventional treatments of acute UTIs or as a prophylactic regimen for treatment RUTIs can benefit both pregnant women and children. Limited information is available on the safety of natural products in these patients' populations. However, based on limited historical information, these remedies appear to be safe and well-tolerated by patients.

Kidney Echogenicity and Vesicoureteral Reflux in Children with Febrile Urinary Tract Infection

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate increased kidney echogenicity as a predictor of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in young children with first febrile urinary tract infection (UTI).

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a single center retrospective study of hospitalized children with first febrile UTI diagnosed in accordance with the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines. All patients had kidney bladder ultrasound (KBUS) and voiding cystourethrography. Variables analyzed using χ² test or Mann-Whitney U test as appropriate. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed for the abnormal KBUS findings and OR and 95% CI were calculated.

RESULTS

Our cohort included 415 children (830 kidney units) with median age of 5 months (1 month to 5 years) and 80% were female. One hundred thirty-two (31.8%) patients had abnormal KBUS, including increased echogenicity in 45 patients. Overall, 42.2% of patients with increased echogenicity had VUR vs 23.3% with normal ultrasound (P = .013) and 31.1% of patients with increased echogenicity had high-grade III-V VUR vs 8.1% with normal ultrasound (P = .001). In total, 24.3% of kidneys with increased echogenicity had VUR vs 20% with normal ultrasound (P = .246) and 20% of kidneys with increased echogenicity had high-grade III-V VUR vs 9.9%with normal ultrasound (P = .005).

CONCLUSIONS

These data support adding increased kidney echogenicity to the list of other KBUS findings that are helpful in decision making about a need for voiding cystourethrography in young children with first febrile UTI.