Etiology of urinary tract infection in scholar children

Brazilian consensus on vesicoureteral reflux-recommendations for clinical practice

Introduction

Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR) is characterized by a retrograde flow of urine from the bladder into the ureters and kidneys. It is one of the most common urinary tract anomalies and the major cause of urinary tract infection (UTI) in the first years of life. If not properly diagnosed and treated can lead to recurrent UTI, renal scar and, in severe cases, to end stage renal disease. Despite recent advances in scientific and technological knowledge, evaluation and treatment of VUR is still controversial and there is still considerable heterogeneity in evaluation methods and therapeutic approaches. The aim of the present consensus is to give a practical orientation on how to evaluate and treat VUR.

Methods

The board of Pediatric Urology of the Brazilian Society of Urology joined a group of experts and reviewed all important issues on Vesicoureteral Reflux evaluation and treatment and elaborated a draft of the document. On November 2017 the panel met to review, discuss and write a consensus document.

Results and Discussion

Vesicoureteral Reflux is a common and challenging problem in children. Children presenting with Vesicoureteral Reflux require careful evaluation and treatment to avoid future urinary tract infections and kidney scars. The panel addressed recommendations on up to date choice of diagnosis evaluation and therapies.

Association between stress and lower urinary tract symptoms in children and adolescents

INTRODUCTION

Lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) is a common clinical condition. Emotional and behavioral issues are increasing among children and adolescents, with stress indicating difficulties in personal and social functioning. This study evaluated whether urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is associated with stress.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional, analytical study with 6-14-year-old patients with LUTS and no anatomical/neurogenic urinary tract abnormalities was conducted using the Dysfunctional Voiding Scoring System, a psychological assessment and the Child Stress Scale. The overall stress score was analyzed in relation to the psychological assessment data. Answers to the seven specific DVSS urinary questions were compared with those for the four Child Stress Scale domains. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. The chi-square test and Pearson's correlation were used to determine associations. Significance was defined as p <0.05.

RESULTS

Most children were male (56%). Mean age was 9.0±2.25 years. Stress was detected in 20 out of 98 patients (20.4%; 95% CI: 13-30%).Of these, 90% were born from unplanned pregnancies and 67% were upset about their disorder. All the Child Stress Scale domains were significantly associated with urinary dysfunction, with dysuria being significantly associated with all four domains. In the multivariate analysis, dysuria was the only symptom that remained associated with stress. Associations with stress strengthened as the frequency of dysuria increased: physical reactions (p <0.01), emotional reactions (p <0.05), psychological reactions with a depressive component (p<0.01) and psychophysiological reactions (p <0.05).

CONCLUSION

Stress levels are higher in children and adolescents with LUTS who have more severe symptoms. Dysuria was the symptom most associated with stress, both in the physical reactions domain, in the psychological reactions domains with or without a depressive component and in the psychophysiological reactions domain.

Prevalence of Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction in Toilet-Trained Children With Urinary Tract Infection and/or Primary Vesicoureteral Reflux: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Urinary tract infection (UTI) in children leads to renal scarring in 10-15% of patients. Urinary tract anomalies and bladder and bowel dysfunction (BBD) are documented risk factors for recurrent UTIs. Estimates of baseline prevalence of BBD in children with UTI will help the clinician in the management strategy. Hence, a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the pooled prevalence of BBD. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) databases were searched for articles related to UTI, primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), and BBD. We included studies that provided prevalence of BBD in toilet-trained patients aged 1-18 years with UTI and/or VUR. BBD was defined based on clinical history or questionnaire or urodynamic studies. Two authors independently reviewed, assessed, and abstracted data from studies. Pooled prevalence was calculated based on a random effects model. Results: Forty-three studies fulfilling the eligibility criteria were selected from a total of 1,731 studies. Among patients presenting with UTI without primary VUR, pooled prevalence of BBD was 41% (95% CI: 26-55; nine studies, 920 patients, I ² = 96.0%), whereas its prevalence in patients with primary VUR was 49% (43-56; 30 studies, 5,060 patients, I ² = 96.0%). Weighting by the study design and quality did not affect the prevalence. In patients with primary VUR, prevalence of BBD was higher in females (53%; 42-65) than in males (44%; 15-73). In studies where urodynamic study was used for the diagnosis of BBD, prevalence was 63%. The presence of BBD in patients with primary VUR increased risk of recurrent UTIs [relative risk (RR): 2.1; 1.7-2.5]. In five studies that reported separate data on constipation, pooled prevalence of constipation was 27% (16-37). Conclusion: Almost half of the patients with primary VUR have BBD, and its presence increases the risk of recurrent UTIs. Trends of high BBD prevalence were also observed in patients presenting with UTI without VUR. These prevalence estimates suggest that all toilet-trained children presenting with UTI with or without VUR should be assessed for BBD, which will help in their further management.

Risk factors for urinary tract infection in children with urinary urgency

Purpose

To identify which independent variable would be strong predictor of febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) in children and adolescents with overactive bladder.

Materials and Methods

A search was made of the institute's database for all patients diagnosed with overactive bladder over the preceding four years. Children and adolescents under 18 years of age with overactive bladder and no neurological or anatomical alterations of the lower urinary tract were included in the study. The independent variables were: sex, age, ethnicity (Brazilians of African descendence/others), the presence of urinary urgency, daytime incontinence, enuresis, frequent urination, infrequent voiding (≤3 voids/day), nocturia, holding maneuvers, straining to void, intermittent urinary flow, constipation and encopresis. An analysis was conducted to identify patients with febrile UTI and subsequently determine predictors of this condition. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

Results

Overall, 326 patients (214 girls/112 boys) were evaluated. The mean age of the patients was 7.7±3.19 years (± standard deviation). The incidence of febrile UTI was 39.2%. Being female and infrequent voiding were factors significantly associated with febrile UTI, both in the univariate and multivariate analyses.

Conclusions

These results show that being female and infrequent voiding constituted significant risk factors for a diagnosis of febrile UTI in these children.

A two-day bladder diary for children: Is it enough?

INTRODUCTION

A bladder diary (BD) is a simple and non-invasive method of evaluating people with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Recently, the ICCS recommended a 48-h daytime frequency and volume chart (which does not need to be recorded on 2 consecutive days) to evaluate lower urinary tract (LUT) dysfunction. However, some studies on adults have demonstrated that a minimum of 3 days is required. It is believed that, to date, there are no studies in the literature that compare a 2-day BD with a 3-day BD. The advantages of a BD over a shorter period of time are the simplicity and possible better parent compliance.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate if a 2-day BD is statistically and clinically comparable to a 3-day BD.

STUDY DESIGN

A voiding diary was filled in over a 3-day period for 92 children (ages ranged from to 3-16 years, mean 7.9 ± 3.07) attending the present institution. By using the voiding diary, the following parameters were calculated: urination frequency, maximum and average volumes of urine (MVV and AVV) and fluid intake. The diary considered the 2 days as the first and second days of the 3-day diary.

RESULTS

Out of the 92 children, eight (8.7%) did not properly complete the diary. The sample predominantly comprised females (n = 55, 59.8%). No differences were seen between 2-day and 3-day bladder diaries regarding fluid intake, maximum and average voided volume. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of the 2-day bladder diary for detecting frequency were 83.4%, 91.7%, 80% and 93.2%, and for low bladder capacity they were 97.2%, 90.9%, 99% and 88%, respectively (Table).

DISCUSSION

In a 2006 document, the ICCS recommended that a bladder diary be kept for 3 days, but in new documentation (2014) there is a reference stating that 2 days are enough. Bladder capacity is an important parameter in evaluating LUTS. Using a 2-day BD, the data showed that only a small percentage of reduced bladder capacity diagnosis would be lost.

CONCLUSION

When using the 2-day diary, a 16% false negative rate for frequency should be expected. A 2-day bladder diary is sufficient to evaluate bladder capacity and fluid intake.

Transcutaneous parasacral electrical stimulation vs oxybutynin for the treatment of overactive bladder in children: a randomized clinical trial

PURPOSE

We determined the effectiveness of 2 methods to treat overactive bladder in children using intragroup and intergroup comparisons in a randomized clinical trial.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nine boys and 19 girls with a mean ± SD age of 6.4 ± 2.18 years were randomly divided into group 1-parasacral transcutaneous electrical stimulation with placebo drug and group 2-oxybutynin with sham scapular electrical therapy. Success was assessed by 1) the rate of complete symptom resolution, 2) a visual analog scale of 0 to 10, 3) the dysfunctional voiding score system, 4) voiding diary records, 5) Rome III criteria and 6) side effect frequency in each group.

RESULTS

A total of 13 and 15 patients were randomized to groups 1 and 2, respectively. Symptoms completely resolved in 6 patients in group 1 (46%) and 3 in group 2 (20%) (p = 0.204). A statistically significant improvement was found in the 2 groups in the dysfunctional voiding score system and voiding diary records. However, no statistically significant difference was found between the groups in the visual analog scale score, voiding frequency, and maximum and mean voided volume (p = 0.295, 0.098, 0.538 and 0.650, respectively). Constipation improved in 100% of group 1 patients but in only 55% in group 2 (p = 0.031 vs 0.073). Group 1 showed no side effects while dry mouth, hyperthermia and hyperemia developed in 58%, 25% and 50% of group 2 patients (p = 0.002, 0.096 and 0.005, respectively). Treatment was discontinued by 13.3% of patients in group 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Parasacral transcutaneous electrical stimulation was as effective as oxybutynin to treat overactive bladder in children. However, transcutaneous parasacral electrical stimulation was more effective against constipation and showed no detectable side effects. Oxybutynin was more effective for decreasing voiding frequency.

Constipation in children with isolated overactive bladders

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prevalence of constipation in children with isolated overactive bladder (IOAB) and no micturition complaints.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A questionnaire was used to evaluate constipation in 51 children with IOAB, as well as in a control group of 74 children between the ages of 4 and 14 years. The Rome III criteria for children were used to assess constipation. IOAB was defined as the presence of symptoms such as urgency with or without daytime incontinence or frequency, a bell-shaped uroflow, and no post-residual urine.

RESULTS

Mean patient ages were 7.94 (±2.8) and 8.28 (±3.4) years in the OAB and control group, respectively (p = 0.54). Twenty-eight (54.9%) of the OAB group were girls, and 34 (45.9%) were girls in the control group (p = 0.32). More of the children with IOAB had constipation than those without urinary symptoms (54.9% vs. 29.7%, p = 0.005; or 2.87, 95% CI: 1.3-6.0). The results were statistically significant regarding the following Rome III criteria: "history of stool retention", "presence of painful or hard bowel movements", "the presence of a large fecal mass in the rectum" and "large diameter stools which may obstruct the toilet". Within the group with OAB, constipation was more common among males (p = 0.05). There was no association between the type of OAB symptoms and constipation. The average dysfunctional voiding symptom score was 9.76 (±4.1). Eleven children (21.6%) presented alterations on ultrasound. Girls with OAB presented more frequently with UTI than boys (18 vs. 10, p = 0.13).

CONCLUSION

This was the first comparative study with respect to constipation in children with IOAB and without urinary symptoms. Children with IOAB have a greater risk of having constipation compared to those with no urinary symptoms.

Treatment of non-monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis by transcutaneous parasacral electrical nerve stimulation

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of transcutaneous parasacral electrical stimulation (TCPSE) in the treatment of non-monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (NMNE). Also, we evaluated possible pretreatment predictors of TCPSE failure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nineteen children diagnosed with NMNE who underwent TCPSE were studied prospectively. There were 6 boys and 13 girls with a mean age of 9.05 ± 3.153 years (range 5-17 years). The sessions were performed three times per week for a maximum of 20 sessions, for 20 min each and at a frequency of 10 Hz.

RESULTS

For eight children (42%) the nocturnal enuresis resolved, four (21%) presented a reduction in nocturnal episodes to less than one a week, six (32%) presented no change and one (5%) had increased frequency of NMNE. Symptoms present before treatment, such as daytime incontinence, frequency, constipation and occurrence of urinary tract infection, were not predictors of failure after TCPSE.

CONCLUSION

TCPSE can be an effective treatment for NMNE, but about a third of patients will need another kind of treatment. No pretreatment factor was determined that predicted TCPSE failure.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in children with overactive bladder: a randomized clinical trial

PURPOSE

We evaluated the effectiveness of parasacral transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to treat overactive bladder in children. We designed a prospective randomized trial with sham control for this evaluation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We prospectively randomized 25 girls and 12 boys with an average age of 7.6 years (range 4 to 12) into the test (active treatment) or sham (superficial scapular electrical stimulation) group. A total of 20 sessions, 20 minutes each (10 Hz) were performed 3 times weekly. The criteria used to evaluate the rate of success were 1) self-reported cure, or significant, mild or no improvement; 2) visual analogue scale (level of success 0 to 10); 3) percent improvement; 4) modified Toronto score; and 5) maximum voided volume, average voided volume and number of voids daily based on bladder diary entries. After completion of the 20 sessions controls who were not cured underwent active treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 21 patients in the test group and 16 in the sham group underwent treatment. Among the active treatment group 61.9% of parents reported cure. In the sham group no parent reported cure (p <0.001). Regarding visual analogue scale a score of 10 was indicated by 13 parents in the test group, while 1 parent in the sham group indicated a score of 9 (p = 0.002). Additionally 100% improvement was reported by 12 parents in the test group and no parent in the sham group. Toronto score improved significantly in the test group (p <0.001) and sham group (p = 0.008). However, the score was reduced more significantly in the test group compared to the sham group (p = 0.011). In the test group average and maximum voided volumes showed a statistically significant increase and the number of voids daily decreased. After superficial scapular electrical stimulation 13 of the 16 patients who underwent parasacral transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation were cured.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first known randomized clinical trial to demonstrate that parasacral transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is effective in the treatment of children with overactive bladder.

Dysfunctional elimination behaviors and associated complications in school-age children

Lack of privacy, risk of bullying, limited access, lack of essential products for good hygiene, and dirty bathrooms can all contribute to encouraging a child to withhold urine and stool while in school. Withholding behaviors over time can create a condition known as dysfunctional elimination syndrome (DES). DES is any pattern of voiding or stooling that varies from the developmental norm. These abnormal patterns of elimination can eventually lead to complications of urinary tract infection, vesicoureteral reflux, and incontinence of urine and/or stool. School officials (teachers, school nurses, and school administrators) can help in the prevention of learned behaviors that lead to DES in school-age children. School officials need to realize children are individuals and should not be expected to empty their bowels and bladders according to a set, rigid schedule. In addition, school officials should not expect children to use dirty, unsafe bathrooms that they themselves would not tolerate. School nurses can be a powerful force in protecting children's health by participating in research and developing evidence-based guidelines to improve bathroom access and conditions.

Microalbuminuria in children with vesicoureteral reflux

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a common congenital anomaly of the urinary tract that may be inherited. Reflux of infected urine may cause scarring in susceptible kidneys with the potential to compromise renal function. The aim of the study was to evaluate the possible influence of different grades of VUR on glomerular damage using microalbuminuria as a parameter. Children with VUR detected by voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) were investigated. According to the grade of VUR, patients were separated into three groups. The first group included 12 children with VUR grade I-II. The second group consisted of 12 children with grade III of VUR. Patients with VUR grade IV-V (n = 11) were members of the third group. The control group consisted of 17 healthy children. Microalbuminuria was examined in samples of morning urine specimens using a microalbumin/creatinine reagent kit. Serum urea, creatinine levels and creatinine clearance (CCR) were measured as markers of renal function. The mean value of microalbumin excretion in the third group showed a statistically significant increase (p < 0.001) compared to all other groups. CCR in the third group was statistically significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in comparison to the group of healthy children. There were no statistically significant changes of microalbumin excretion and CCR in the first and second group compared to control values. We discussed the presence of microalbuminuria and decrease of CCR in children with high grade of VUR as a possible consequence of retrograde urine flow (intrarenal reflux), glomerulosclerosis, and consecutive hyperfiltration.

Lower urinary tract dysfunction in children. What do pre-school teachers know about it?

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the basic knowledge of pre-school teachers who deal with children between the ages of 4 and 7 years, who present signs of lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a survey with 50 teachers from 9 private schools working with pre-school children. The criteria for selection were if teachers were certified or non-certified elementary school teachers - NCEST and the amount of professional experience.

RESULTS

Thirty-three teachers considered that the normal daily urinary frequency should be from 4 to 7 times. Two of the 50 teachers considered it normal to urinate less than 4 times per day and 15 teachers considered more than 7 times per day as normal. There was no difference between the 2 categories of certified or NCEST nor between those with more or less than five years of professional experience. Thirty-three percent believed that to urinate more than 4 times during a class period (4-5 hours) could indicate a urinary problem. There was a statistically significant difference among the certified and NCEST but not in terms of time of professional experience. If during this period the child would not ask to urinate, only 18% considered that as an indication of urinary problem. When asked about the symptoms that would indicate urinary urgency and urge incontinence, only 24% of the teachers connected it with urinary problem. There was no difference in terms of professional background or professional experience in these 2 last analyses.

CONCLUSION

Our data shows evidences that private pre-schools teachers are not well informed of the clinical manifestation of LUTD.

Comparative analysis of the frequency of lower urinary tract dysfunction among institutionalised and non-institutionalised children

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the level of symptoms of lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) in orphans in institutions, and compare these data with schoolchildren of the same age group who were not institutionalised, as LUTD in children is related to factors such as social isolation and low self-esteem, with other psychological changes also being cited, although it is unknown whether these problems are primary or secondary to the symptoms of LUTD.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Children institutionalised in orphanages with no parental presence and who are isolated from a family environment are probably more sensitive to psychological disturbances. Psychological changes have been associated with symptoms of urgency and urinary incontinence. Thus 89 orphans were compared with 143 schoolchildren not in institutions. A questionnaire was devised and completed by the care-taking staff in the orphanage, while for the schoolchildren the parents completed the questionnaire. The mean age in the institutionalised children was 7.9 years and that of the control group 7.8 years (P = 0.32). Thirty-nine (44%) of the orphans were boys, vs 74 (54%) of the control group (P = 0.17).

RESULTS

The incidence of urgency, diurnal urinary incontinence, nocturnal enuresis and constipation in the orphans and in the control group were: 45 (51%) and 57 (40) (P = 0.17), 36 (40%) and 19 (13%) (P < 0.001), 39 (47%) and 38 (27%) (P = 0.002), and 27 (30%) and 43 (30%) (P = 0.76), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Children living in orphanages have a significantly higher level of diurnal urinary incontinence and nocturnal enuresis than those not in an institution.

Comparative analysis of the symptomatology of children with lower urinary tract dysfunction in relation to objective data

OBJECTIVES

To assess the clinical presentation of children with lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) relating to objective examination data.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-four children (36 girls and 8 boys with mean age of 6.8 years) with LUTD were prospectively assessed through a specific questionnaire that analyzed clinical presentation of those patients. These data were then compared to objective data, such as micturition diary and uroflowmetry with electromyography.

RESULTS

A urinary tract infection (UTI) antecedent was observed in 31 cases (70.5%), and of those, 24 cases of UTI were accompanied by fever. All children presented micturition urgency. Daily urinary incontinence was observed in 33 cases (75%) and nocturnal enuresis in 23 (52.3%). As for micturition frequency, 15 (34.1%) had normal frequency 19 (43.2%) presented more than 10 daily micturition episodes and 10 (22.7%) thought they urinated less than 5 times a day. In the uroflowmetry and electromyography examination, 14 (31.8%) experienced lack of coordination during micturition. Of 10 children with infrequent micturition, 5 confirmed this in their micturition diaries and 2 listed more than 5 micturition episodes per day in the diary. Of 19 patients presenting polaciuria, only 5 confirmed this in their micturition diaries, while 7 had less than 10 micturition episodes per day.

CONCLUSION

Most children with LUTD presented a previous UTI, and daily incontinence was verified in around 75% of the patients. Complaints of polaciuria or infrequent micturition are not noted completely in the micturition diaries and there is no parameter in the clinical history that offers good sensitivity or specificity for the diagnosis of lack of perineal coordination.