Screening high-grade vesicoureteral reflux in young infants with a febrile urinary tract infection

National Trends in Voiding Cystourethrograms During Hospitalization for Young Infants With Urinary Tract Infections

OBJECTIVES

The American Academy of Pediatrics published a guideline in 2011 recommending against the routine use of voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) in infants aged 2 to 24 months with first febrile urinary tract infection (UTI); however, the rates of VCUG for infants aged <2 months are unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the trend in VCUG performance during index hospitalization among infants aged 0 to 2 months with UTI.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included infants aged birth to 2 months hospitalized with a UTI from 2008 to 2019 across 38 institutions in the Pediatric Health Information System. Outcome measures included recurrent UTI within 1 year, vesicoureteral reflux diagnosis within 1 year and antiurinary reflux procedure performed within 2 years. Trends over time were compared between preguideline (2008-2011) and postguideline periods (2012-2019) using piecewise mixed-effects logistic regression.

RESULTS

The odds of VCUG decreased by 21% per year in the preguideline period (adjusted odds ratio, 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.77-0.81; P < .001) versus 20% (adjusted odds ratio, 0.80; 95% confidence interval, 0.77-0.83; P < .001) in the postguideline period. The preguideline and postguideline difference was not statistically significant (P = .60). There was no difference in the postguideline odds of UTI within 1 year (P = .07), whereas the odds of vesicoureteral reflux diagnosis (P < .001) and antiurinary reflux procedure performance (P < .001) decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

VCUG performance during hospitalization has declined over the past decade among young infants hospitalized with UTI. Further work is needed to determine the optimal approach to imaging in these young infants.

Can diagnostic and imaging recommendations from the 2011 AAP UTI guidelines be applied to infants <2 months of age?

INTRODUCTION

In 2011, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published guidelines regarding diagnosis and management of children 2-to-24-months-old with initial febrile urinary tract infection (fUTI). Available data were insufficient to determine whether evidence from studies of 2-to-24-month-olds applies to those <2-months-old, so they were excluded.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to 1) compare demographic, clinical, imaging and outcomes between patients <2-months-old and those 2-to-24-months-old hospitalized with fUTI, and 2) assess whether diagnostic and imaging recommendations of the AAP 2011 guidelines apply to those <2-months-old.

STUDY DESIGN

A cohort study of patients ≤24-months-old hospitalized at a children's hospital with fUTI from 2016 to 2018 was conducted. Data were collected via a prospectively generated electronic medical record note template, supplemented with retrospective chart review. Primary outcomes included differences in demographics, clinical presentation, urine culture results, and imaging utilization/results by age group. Secondary outcomes included surgical procedures, UTI recurrence, and 90-day all-cause readmissions and emergency department (ED) revisits. Univariate and bivariate statistics were utilized to compare age groups.

RESULTS

Overall, 137 patients were included (median age 70 days, 55.5% male [92.1% uncircumcised], 53.3% Hispanic/Latino, 89.8% 1st fUTI). There were no demographic differences between groups, except children <2-months-old were more frequently male (71.2 vs 43.6%, p = 0.002). The Summary Table compares clinical factors and imaging utilization by age. There were no differences in urinalysis or urine culture results between groups. Patients <2-months-old had shorter fever duration, lower maximum temperature, and lower white blood cell counts. Voiding cystourethrograms (VCUGs) were recommended and obtained more frequently in patients <2-months-old, but there were no differences in renal and bladder ultrasound (RBUS) or VCUG results between age groups. There were no differences in UTI recurrence (13.6% of <2-months-old vs 14.1% of 2-to-24-months-old, p = 1.00) or fUTI recurrence (13.6 vs 7.7%, p = 0.40) within 1 year, 90-day readmission (6.8 vs 6.4%, p = 1.00), or 90-day ED revisit (22.0 vs 20.5%, p = 1.00).

DISCUSSION

There were minimal differences between the <2-months-old and 2-to-24-months-old age groups in demographics, laboratory (including microbial) or imaging results, or clinical outcomes. Patients <2-months-old were more frequently male and less ill. These data support applying urinalysis and urine culture diagnostic criteria, and universal RBUS, from the AAP guidelines to patients <2-months-old. Given utilization differences, applicability of VCUG guideline recommendations requires further clarification for patients <2-months-old.

CONCLUSION

Laboratory testing and RBUS recommendations from the AAP guidelines may be safely applied to infants <2-months-old. Further studies are needed to clarify optimal VCUG recommendations.

Imaging Practices and Implications in Young Infants With Urinary Tract Infection

OBJECTIVES

Management of infants aged ≤60 days with urinary tract infections (UTI) is challenging. We examined renal imaging in infants aged ≤60 days with UTI at a tertiary care children's hospital to identify the impact of standardizing renal ultrasound (RUS) interpretation.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied infants aged ≤60 days hospitalized for UTI or fever with urine culture and renal imaging obtained and final diagnosis of UTI. RUS initially had noncriterion-based (NCB) interpretation by experienced pediatric radiologists. For this study, a single pediatric radiologist used a criterion-based (CB) hydronephrosis grading system to reinterpret films initially classified as "abnormal" on the NCB reading. We compared final renal imaging results between NCB and CB groups.

RESULTS

Of 193 infants, 180 (93%) had inpatient RUS with 114 (63%) abnormal NCB interpretation. Of those with initially abnormal NCB interpretation, 85 OF 114 (75%) had minor and 29 OF 114 (25%) had significant abnormality by CB reinterpretation. In follow-up, the CB "minor abnormality" group showed 25% abnormal renal imaging, whereas the "significant abnormality" group showed 77% abnormal renal imaging with 54% having high-grade reflux on a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG). Patients with CB inpatient RUS minor abnormality showed 3% abnormal RUS at follow-up, but 13% showed high-grade reflux on VCUG.

CONCLUSIONS

Standardized RUS interpretation in young infants with UTI improved the accuracy of identification of abnormalities on follow-up renal imaging. In patients with CB minor abnormality on inpatient RUS, our results suggest limited utility of follow-up RUS; however, follow-up VCUG remained useful to identify high-grade reflux.

Comparison of Urinary Tract Dilatation and Society of Fetal Urology systems in the detection of vesicourethral reflux and renal scar

Purpose

The presence and degree of hydronephrosis is very important in the management of many diseases of the urinary tract. In this study, we aim to compare the sensitivity and specificity of 2 classification systems that are used for hydro-nephrosis grading in ultrasound, for reflux and scar detection. The classification systems were the Society of Fetal Urology (SFU) and Urinary Tract Dilatation (UTD).

Material and methods

Ultrasounds and dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphies (DMSA) of all patients who underwent voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) due to urinary tract infection were examined retrospectively. DMSA was accepted for scar detection and VCUG for reflux detection as reference methods. SFU classification was used for hydronephrosis in ultrasound reports, and UTD classification was made over the reports. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of UTD and SFU classification systems for reflux and scar detection were calculated, and these 2 systems were compared.

Results

103 (39%) of the patients were male and 162 (61%) were female. Pathologies were detected in 192 (35%) of 530 kidneys in ultrasound. In 110 (42%) of the children, reflux was detected in VCUG. Scars in DMSA were detected in only 16% (44) of 266 kidneys. Sensitivity, positive and negative predictive values of the UTD classification system were statistically significantly higher than the SFU system for scar and reflux detection (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

If we use the UTD system in ultrasounds of patients with urinary tract infections, children reported as UTD 0 may not need VCUG, which reduces radiation exposure to children and the cost of the diagnostic interventions.

Asian guidelines for urinary tract infection in children

The followings are the level of evidence (LE) and grade of recommendation (GR) on pediatric UTI in Asia. Classification according to the sites of infection (lower versus upper tract), the number of episode (first versus recurrent), the severity (simple versus severe), or the existence of complicating factor (uncomplicated versus complicated) is useful to differentiate children with UTI whether they are at risk of renal damage or not (LE: 2, GR: B). Diagnosis of UTI requires both urinalysis that suggests infection and positive urine culture (LE:3, GR B). For pre-toilet trained children, urine specimen for culture should be collected by urethral catheterization or suprapubic aspiration. For toilet trained children, midstream clean catch urine is reliable (LE: 3, GR: A). Urine culture is considered positive if it demonstrates growth of a single bacterium with the following colony counts: (1) any growth by suprapubic aspiration, (2) >5 × 104 CFU/ml by urethral catheterization, or (3) >105 CFU/ml by midstream clean catch (LE:3, GR: B). For children with febrile UTI, renal and bladder ultrasonography (RBUS) should be routinely performed as soon as possible (LE: 3, GR: C). RBUS should be followed up 6 months later in children with acute pyelonephritis and/or VUR (LE: 3, GR: C). Acute DMSA scan can be performed when severe acute pyelonephritis or congenital hypodysplasia is noted on RBUS or when the diagnosis of UTI is in doubt by the clinical presentation (LE: 3, GR: C). Late DMSA scan (>6 months after the febrile UTI) can be performed in children with severe acute pyelonephritis, high-grade VUR, recurrent febrile UTIs, or abnormal renal parenchyma on the follow-up RBUS (LE: 3, GR: C). Top-down or bottom-up approach for febrile UTI is suggested for the diagnosis of VUR. For top-down approach, VCUG should not be performed routinely for children after the first febrile UTI. VCUG is indicated when abnormalities are apparent on either RBUS or DMSA scan or both (LE: 2, GR: B). VCUG is also suggested after a repeat febrile UTI (LE:2, GR: B). Appropriate antibiotic should be given immediately after urine specimen for culture has been obtained (LE:2, GR: A). Initiating therapy with oral or parenteral antibiotics is equally efficacious for children (>3 months) with uncomplicated UTI (LE: 2: GR: A). The choice of empirical antibiotic agents is guided by the expected pathogen and the local resistance patterns (LE: 2, GR: A). For children with febrile UTI, the total course of antibiotic therapy should be 7-14 days (LE: 2, GR: B). Circumcision may, but not definitively, reduce the risk of febrile UTI in males and breakthrough febrile UTI in males with VUR. Circumcision should be offered to uncircumcised boys with febrile UTI and VUR in countries where circumcision is accepted by the general population (LE: 3, GR: B), while in countries where childhood circumcision is rarely performed, other measures for febrile UTI/VUR should be the preferred choice (LE: 4, GR: C). Bladder bowel dysfunction (BBD) is one of the key factors of progression of renal scarring (LE: 2). Early recognition and management of BBD are important in prevention of UTI recurrence (LE:2, GR: A). Antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent recurrent febrile UTI is indicated in children with moderate to high grade (III-V) VUR (LE: 1b, GR: A). Surgical intervention may be used to treat VUR in the setting of recurrent febrile UTI because it has been shown to decrease the incidence of recurrent pyelonephritis (LE: 2, GR: B).

Significance of sonographically detected bladder debris in children less than 2 years old with febrile urinary tract infection

PURPOSE

To investigate the relationship between bladder debris found on renal and bladder ultrasonography (RBUS) and the first febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) episode in children under 2 years old.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the data of children aged <2 years with the first febrile UTI. We recorded bladder debris on RBUS and other findings (blood test, urinalysis, and urine culture). Other RBUS findings (renal pelvis debris, renal parenchymal change, wall thickening, and renal collecting system [RCS] dilatation) were recorded. Patients were divided into the debris (D) and non-D groups.

RESULTS

Of 128 patients (boys: girls = 81:47, mean age = 5.6 ± 4.2 months), 24 (18.8%) had bladder debris. The mean C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were higher in the D group (6.1 ± 4.0 vs 4.3 ± 3.5, P = .03). Twenty-one patients in the D group (87.5%) had hematuria (odds ratio = 3.706, 95% confidence interval = 1.035-13.267, P = .04). No significant differences were seen in the urine culture results between both groups. Significant associations were seen between bladder debris and other RBUS findings such as debris in renal pelvis, renal parenchymal change, and RCS wall thickening.

CONCLUSION

Bladder debris on RBUS is a common finding in children aged <2 years during the first febrile UTI. Bladder debris was related to higher CRP levels, hematuria and sonographic findings, but not to urine culture results.

The Change in the Renal Pelvis Anterior-Posterior Diameter Between Prevoiding and Postvoiding Status, and Its Correlation With Vesicoureteral Reflux

In this study, our aim was to evaluate the significance of the change in renal pelvis anterior-posterior diameter (RPAPD) before and after micturition between vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)-positive and -negative patients to whom had voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) was performed.In this study, 69 children, age ranging from 0 to 12 years, were included. Before the VCUG imaging, the RPAPD was measured first with a full bladder and then after urination via ultrasound (US). The differences between in RPAPD measurements were noted and values compared made among VUR-positive and -negative children. Data distribution was inhomogeneous, and the Wilcoxon Sign Rank test was utilized instead of Student t test. There was no statistically significant difference in prevoiding and postvoiding RPAPD in VUR (+) and VUR (-) patients (P = 0.672). There was no statistically significant relation between VUR and the presence of hydronephrosis (P = 0.126). Vesicoureteral reflux is more common in patients with urinary tract infections (UTI) (P = 0.001). There was no statistically significant relationship between prevoiding and postvoiding RPAPD change and VUR diagnosis (P = 0,164).Ultrasound is the modality of choice for urinary system evaluation. Diagnosis of hydronephrosis via US is not sufficient in predicting VUR; however, indirect findings may reveal the diagnosis. A decrease in RPAPD in postvoiding US evaluation may not rule out the VUR diagnosis for this reason further imaging modalities, such as VCUG, should be taken into consideration for the patients with clinical suspicion.

Diagnosis and Management of UTI in Febrile Infants Age 0-2 Months: Applicability of the AAP Guideline

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common bacterial infection in young infants. The American Academy of Pediatrics' (AAP) clinical practice guideline for UTIs focuses on febrile children age 2-24 months, with no guideline for infants <2 months of age, an age group commonly encountered by pediatric hospitalists. In this review, we assess the applicability of the AAP UTI Guideline's action statements for previously healthy, febrile infants <2 months of age. We also discuss additional considerations in this age group, including concurrent bacteremia and routine testing for meningitis.

Prevention of recurrent febrile urinary tract infection in infants: Ultrasonography-oriented approach is more practical than a top-down approach

BACKGROUND

We previously reported that the top-down approach (TDA) for infants with febrile urinary tract infections (fUTI) could prevent recurrent fUTI (r-fUTI) but produced a high number of false-positives on acute-phase ^99m Tc dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal scintigraphy. Therefore we compared the ultrasonography-oriented approach (USOA) with TDA from the viewpoint of prevention of r-fUTI.

METHODS

The TDA was applied between July 2010 and February 2014 and the USOA was applied between March 2014 and April 2017 in infants with first fUTI. In the USOA group, voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) was performed in the case of abnormality on acute-phase renal bladder ultrasonography (RBUS) or on chronic- phase DMSA, which were performed in all cases. The frequency of r-fUTI was compared between the TDA group and USOA group retrospectively.

RESULTS

Seventy-four infants (52 male) and 79 infants (60 male) received TDA or USOA, respectively. No significant differences were found between the TDA and USOA groups in male : female ratio, age in months at initial onset of fUTI, observation period, or number of cases of r-fUTI (TDA group, n = 4; USOA group, n = 5). Seventy-four DMSA scintigraphy and 25 VCUG were carried out in the USOA group, and 111 DMSA scintigraphy and 34 VCUG in the TDA group.

CONCLUSIONS

Both USOA and TDA were valid for prevention of r-fUTI, but USOA was superior to TDA with regard to the reduced number of patients undergoing VCUG and DMSA.

Role of Late DMSA Renal Scan in Detecting High-Grade Vesicoureteral Reflux

OBJECTIVE

To determine the performance of late dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal scans in identifying high-grade (III-V) vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in children aged over 3 y with a febrile urinary tract infection (fUTI) history that has not been timely investigated.

METHODS

In this retrospective study of diagnostic accuracy, the clinical records of children aged between 3 and 18 y with fUTI history evaluated consecutively at Nephrology Unit of Hospital General de Niños Pedro de Elizalde, Argentina between 2006 and 2016 were reviewed. Patients with previously diagnosed renal or urinary tract abnormalities or who underwent previous postnatal genitourinary imaging were excluded. Only those assessed by renal and bladder ultrasound (RBUS), voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) and late 6-mo DMSA scan were analyzed. The ability of the scintigraphy in identifying high-grade VUR was determined by comparing its findings with those of VCUG.

RESULTS

In 122 children (median age 5.37 y, 88.5% girls) RBUS was abnormal in 53 (43.4%) and 58 (47.5%) had VUR (30 of high-grade). Abnormal DMSA scan findings (70 patients, 57.4%) were associated with all grade (p = 0.00001) and with high-grade VUR (p = 0.00001). Sensitivity, specificity, negative (NPV) and positive (PPV) predictive values of late DMSA scans for all grades VUR were 93.1%, 75%, 92.3% and 77.1%, respectively. Only 4 patients with low-grade VUR had normal scans. For high-grade VUR, sensitivity and NPV reached 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

In older children, the normal late DMSA scan predicted the absence of high-grade VUR, obviating the need for a VCUG. This approach could be a possible strategy for children not studied at acute infection time.

Reduced differential renal function in scintigraphy predicted high-grade vesicoureteral reflux in children with antenatal hydronephrosiss

AIM

A top-down approach is widely used for detecting vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in children with febrile urinary tract infections. We evaluated the diagnostic value of renal scintigraphy in predicting VUR in children with antenatal hydronephrosis (AHN).

METHODS

The voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) and renal scintigraphy results of 125 AHN patients (76% male) admitted to the Children's Hospital of Helsinki University, Finland, from 2003 to 2013 were analysed. Of those, 94 had nonrefluxing hydronephrosis, nine had low-grade VUR and 22 had high-grade VUR.

RESULTS

Scintigraphy was performed at a median age of 1.4 (0.8-15.6) months. In patients with high-grade VUR, the differential renal function (DRF) of the worse kidney was significantly lower than in patients without VUR, with a median of 35% and interquartile range (IQR) of 20-45 versus 47% (IQR: 44-49), (p < 0.001). There was no difference between patients with low-grade VUR and patients without VUR (p = 0.181). DRFs below 44% showed a sensitivity of 73% and specificity of 79% and predicted significantly high-grade VUR (odds ratio 9.82, 95% confidence interval 3.44-28.05, p < 0.001) in the univariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

A DRF below 44% predicted high-grade VUR in patients with AHN and supported the decision to perform VCUG.

Physician Preferences Surrounding Urinary Tract Infection Management in Neonates

OBJECTIVES

Variability exists in the treatment of neonates with urinary tract infection (UTI), potentially reflecting an overuse of resources. A cross-sectional vignette survey was designed to examine variability in physician preferences for intravenous (IV) antibiotic duration, genitourinary imaging, and prophylactic antibiotics and to evaluate drivers of resource use.

METHODS

The survey was administered to a random sample of pediatricians through the American Medical Association's Physician Masterfile. Respondents were provided with a case vignette of a 2-week-old neonate with a febrile UTI and asked to indicate preferences for IV antibiotic duration and rank drivers of this decision. Respondents were also asked whether they would obtain a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) and, regardless of preference, randomly presented with a normal result or bilateral grade II vesicoureteral reflux. The survey was delivered electronically to facilitate skip logic and randomization.

RESULTS

A total of 279 surveys were completed. Preference for total IV antibiotic duration differed significantly (P < .001) across specialty, with a median duration of 2 days for general pediatricians/hospitalists, 7 days for neonatologists, and 5 days for infectious disease pediatricians. For the 47% (n = 131) who did not want a VCUG, 24/61 (39%) wanted prophylactic antibiotics when presented with grade II vesicoureteral reflux (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Subspecialty status appeared to be the most influential driver of IV antibiotic duration in the treatment of UTI. A substantial proportion of pediatricians who initially expressed a preference against ordering a VCUG wished to prescribe prophylactic antibiotics when results were abnormal, which suggests that even unwanted diagnostic test results drive treatment decisions.

Avoidance of voiding cystourethrography in infants younger than 3 months with Escherichia coli urinary tract infection and normal renal ultrasound

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Urinary tract infection (UTI) represents the most common bacterial infection in infants, and its prevalence increases with the presence of high-grade vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). However, voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) is invasive, and its indication in infants <3 months is not yet defined. This study aims to investigate, in infants aged 0-3 months, if the presence of Escherichia coli versus non-E. coli bacteria and/or normal or abnormal renal ultrasound (US) could avoid the use of VCUG.

METHOD

One hundred and twenty-two infants with a first febrile UTI were enrolled. High-grade VUR was defined by the presence of VUR grade ≥III. The presence of high-grade VUR was recorded using VCUG, and correlated with the presence of E. coli/non-E. coli UTI and with the presence of normal/abnormal renal US. The Bayes theorem was used to calculate pretest and post-test probability.

RESULTS

The probability of high-grade VUR was 3% in the presence of urinary E. coli infection. Adding a normal renal US finding decreased this probability to 1%. However, in the presence of non-E. coli bacteria, the probability of high-grade VUR was 26%, and adding an abnormal US finding increased further this probability to 55%.

CONCLUSIONS

In infants aged 0-3 months with a first febrile UTI, the presence of E. coli and normal renal US findings allow to safely avoid VCUG. Performing VCUG only in infants with UTI secondary to non-E. coli bacteria and/or abnormal US would save many unnecessary invasive procedures, limit radiation exposure, with a very low risk (<1%) of missing a high-grade VUR.

Top-down approach is possible strategy for predicting breakthrough fUTIs and renal scars in infants

BACKGROUND

Acute-phase technetium-99 m dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphy is recommended for initial imaging in children with febrile urinary tract infection (fUTI). Recently, the importance of identifying patients at risk of recurrent fUTI (r-fUTI) has been emphasized. To clarify the effectiveness of DMSA scintigraphy for predicting r-fUTI in infants, we investigated the relationship between defects on DMSA scintigraphy and r-fUTI.

METHODS

Seventy-nine consecutive infants (male: female, 60:19) with fUTI were enrolled in this study. DMSA scintigraphy was performed in the acute phase, and patients with defect underwent voiding cystourethrography and chronic-phase (6 months later) DMSA scintigraphy. Patients were followed on continuous antibiotic prophylaxis (CAP).

RESULTS

Defects on acute-phase DMSA scintigraphy were observed in 32 children (40.5%) of 79. The mean follow-up observation period was 17.0 ± 10.1 months. Four patients had r-fUTI (5%). Two of them had defects on DMSA scintigraphy in both the acute phase and chronic phase, and had bilateral vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) grade IV. Two others had r-fUTI without defects on DMSA and did not have VUR. Twelve patients had defect on chronic-phase DMSA scintigraphy and four of them had no VUR.

CONCLUSIONS

The top-down approach is a possible method for predicting r-fUTI in infants and does not miss clinically significant VUR. Also, given that the prevalence of r-fUTI was 5% regardless of the presence of defects on acute-phase DMSA, then, in conjunction with genital hygiene and CAP, acute-phase DMSA might be unnecessary if chronic-phase DMSA is performed for all patients to detect renal scar.

Incidence and risk factors of urinary tract infection in very low birth weight infants

OBJECTIVES

To describe the incidence and associated risk factors of urinary tract infection (UTI) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants and to determine the value of diagnostic imaging studies after the first UTI episode before discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

METHODS

VLBW infants born during 2003-2012 were reviewed for UTI. In a nested case-control study, potential risk factors of UTI were compared between infants with UTI (cases) versus birth weight and gestational age matched controls. Renal ultrasonography (USG) and voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) results were reviewed in cases.

RESULTS

During the study period, 54.7% of urine culture specimens were collected by sterile methods. 3% (45/1,495) of VLBW infants met the study definition for UTI. UTI was diagnosed at mean postnatal age of 33.1±22.9 days. There was no significant difference in gender, ethnicity, antenatal steroid exposure, blood culture positive sepsis, ionotropic support, respiratory support and enteral feeding practices between cases and controls. Cases had a significantly higher cholestasis compared to controls (22% vs. 9% ; p = 0.03). However, cholestasis was not a significant predictor of UTI in the adjusted analysis [adjusted OR 2.38 (95% CI 0.84 to 6.80), p = 0.11]. Cases had higher central line days, parenteral nutrition days, total mechanical ventilation days, chronic lung disease, and length of stay compared to controls. Renal USG was abnormal in 37% and VCUG was abnormal in 17% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of UTI in contemporary VLBW infants is relatively low compared to previous decades. Since no significant UTI predictors could be identified, urine culture by sterile methods is the only reliable way to exclude UTI. The majority of infants with UTI have normal renal anatomy. UTI in VLBW infants is associated with increased morbidity and length of stay.

Urinary Imaging Findings in Young Infants With Bacteremic Urinary Tract Infection

OBJECTIVES

To describe renal ultrasound (RUS) and voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) findings and determine predictors of abnormal imaging in young infants with bacteremic urinary tract infection (UTI).

METHODS

We used retrospective data from a multicenter sample of infants younger than 3 months with bacteremic UTI, defined as the same pathogenic organism in blood and urine. Infants were excluded if they had any major comorbidities, known urologic abnormalities at time of presentation, required intensive unit care, or had no imaging performed. Imaging results as stated in the radiology reports were categorized by a pediatric urologist.

RESULTS

Of the 276 infants, 19 were excluded. Of the remaining 257 infants, 254 underwent a RUS and 224 underwent a VCUG. Fifty-five percent had ≥1 RUS abnormalities. Thirty-four percent had ≥1 VCUG abnormalities, including vesicoureteral reflux (VUR, 27%), duplication (1.3%), and infravesicular abnormality (0.9%). Age <1 month, male sex, and non-Escherichia coli organism predicted an abnormal RUS, but only non-E coli organism predicted an abnormal VCUG. Seventeen of 96 infants (17.7%) with a normal RUS had an abnormal VCUG: 15 with VUR (Grade I-III = 13, Grade IV = 2), 2 with elevated postvoid residual, and 1 with infravesical abnormality.

CONCLUSIONS

Although RUS and VCUG abnormalities were common in this cohort, the frequency and severity were similar to previous studies of infants with UTIs in general. Our findings do not support special consideration of bacteremia in imaging decisions for otherwise well-appearing young infants with UTI.

The combination of urinary IL - 6 and renal biometry as useful diagnostic tools to differentiate acute pyelonephritis from lower urinary tract infection

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the role of renal ultrasound (RUS) and urinary IL-6 in the differentiation between acute pyelonephritis (APN) and lower urinary tract infection (LUTI).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This prospective study was carried out at the Pediatric and urology outpatient and inpatient departments of Cairo University Children's Hospital as well as October 6 University Hospital and it included 155 children between one month and fourteen years old with positive culture UTI. Patients were categorized into APN and LUTI based on their clinical features and laboratory parameters. Thirty healthy children, age and sex matched constituted the control group. Children with positive urine cultures were treated with appropriate antibiotics. Before treatment, urinary IL-6 was measured by enzyme immunoassay technique (ELISA), and renal ultrasound (RUS) was done. CRP (C-reactive protein), IL-6 and RUS were repeated on the 14th day of antibiotic treatment to evaluate the changes in their levels in response to treatment.

RESULTS

UIL-6 levels were more significantly higher in patients with APN than in patients with LUTI (24.3±19.3pg/mL for APN vs. 7.3±2.7pg/mL in LUTI (95% CI: 2.6-27.4; p< 0.01). Similarly, serum CRP was more significantly higher in patients with APN than in children with LUTI (19.7±9.1μg/mL vs. 5.5±2.3μg/mL (p< 0.01). IL-6 levels >20pg/mL and serum CRP >20μg/mL were highly reliable markers of APN. Mean renal volume and mean volume difference between the two kidneys in the APN group were more than that of the LUTI and control groups (P< 0.001). Renal volume between 120-130% of normal was the best for differentiating APN from LUTI.

CONCLUSIONS

RUS and urinary IL-6 levels have a highly dependable role in the differentiation between APN and LUTI especially in places where other investigations are not available and/ or affordable.

Antimicrobial Resistance and Diagnostic Imaging in Infants Younger Than 2 Months Old Hospitalized With a First Febrile Urinary Tract Infection: A Population-based Comparative Study

BACKGROUND

Data on urinary tract infection (UTI) in infants ≤2 months of age are limited. We examined clinical characteristics, antimicrobial resistance, imaging findings and clinical outcomes in infants ≤2 months of age and children 2-24 months of age hospitalized with the first febrile UTI.

METHODS

Children ≤24 months of age hospitalized with their first-diagnosed febrile UTI were prospectively studied. Renal ultrasonography, Tc-dimercaptosuccinic acid scanning and voiding cystourethrography were performed in all children.

RESULTS

Of the 388 children analyzed (255 boys and 133 girls), 61 patients were ≤2 months of age, representing 15.7% of the whole population, whereas 327 patients were 2-24 months of age. Escherichia coli was the predominant bacterium, with similar antimicrobial resistance in the 2 groups, and associated E. coli bacteremia occurred in 9 patients (2.3%). Renal ultrasonography showed abnormal findings in 130 patients (33.5%), but there was no difference in the rate of abnormal findings between the groups. Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) was present in 130 children (33.5%), including 93 (24%) with grades III-V VUR. VUR was more prevalent in the infants ≤2 months of age (P = 0.007), but there was no difference in the prevalence of grades III-V VUR between the groups. The incidence of renal scarring was 28.6% (111/388), and it did not differ between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

There are similarities in clinical characteristics, antimicrobial resistance, imaging findings and clinical outcomes after a first UTI between the young infants ≤2 months and children 2-24 months of age. The same guidelines for the diagnosis and management after the first febrile UTI can be applied to children who are ≤24 months of age.

Dimercaptosuccinic acid scan or ultrasound in screening for vesicoureteral reflux among children with urinary tract infections

BACKGROUND

There is considerable interest in detecting vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) because its presence, especially when severe, has been linked to an increased risk of urinary tract infections and renal scarring. Voiding cystourethrography (VCUG), also known as micturating cystourethrography, is the gold standard for the diagnosis of VUR, and the grading of its severity. Because VCUG requires bladder catheterisation and exposes children to radiation, there has been a growing interest in other screening strategies that could identify at-risk children without the risks and discomfort associated with VCUG.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this review is to evaluate the accuracy of two alternative imaging tests - the dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scan (DMSA) and renal-bladder ultrasound (RBUS) - in diagnosing VUR and high-grade VUR (Grade III-V VUR).

SEARCH METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, BIOSIS, and the Cochrane Register of Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies from 1985 to 31 March 2016. The reference lists of relevant review articles were searched to identify additional studies not found through the electronic search.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We considered published cross-sectional or cohort studies that compared the results of the index tests (DMSA scan or RBUS) with the results of radiographic VCUG in children less than 19 years of age with a culture-confirmed urinary tract infection.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently applied the selection criteria to all citations and independently abstracted data. We used the bivariate model to calculate summary sensitivity and specificity values.

MAIN RESULTS

A total of 42 studies met our inclusion criteria. Twenty studies reported data on the test performance of RBUS in detecting VUR; the summary sensitivity and specificity estimates were 0.44 (95% CI 0.34 to 0.54) and 0.78 (95% CI 0.68 to 0.86), respectively. A total of 11 studies reported data on the test performance of RBUS in detecting high-grade VUR; the summary sensitivity and specificity estimates were 0.59 (95% CI 0.45 to 0.72) and 0.79 (95% CI 0.65 to 0.87), respectively. A total of 19 studies reported data on the test performance of DMSA in detecting VUR; the summary sensitivity and specificity estimates were 0.75 (95% CI 0.67 to 0.81) and 0.48 (95% CI 0.38 to 0.57), respectively. A total of 10 studies reported data on the accuracy of DMSA in detecting high-grade VUR. The summary sensitivity and specificity estimates were 0.93 (95% CI 0.77 to 0.98) and 0.44 (95% CI 0.33 to 0.56), respectively.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Neither the renal ultrasound nor the DMSA scan is accurate enough to detect VUR (of all grades). Although a child with a negative DMSA test has an < 1% probability of having high-grade VUR, performing a screening DMSA will result in a large number of children falsely labelled as being at risk for high-grade VUR. Accordingly, the usefulness of the DMSA as a screening test for high-grade VUR should be questioned.

Accuracy of ultrasonography in predicting vesicoureteral reflux in children: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the existing evidence on the accuracy of renal and bladder ultrasonography in predicting vesicoureteral reflux in children with first urinary tract infection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science data sources were searched. A random effects meta-analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies, involving 3544 participants, fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The risk of bias and concern regarding applicability were considered high in four studies. The pooled sensitivity was 0.37 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34 to 0.40], specificity 0.81 (95% CI 0.80 to 0.83), positive likelihood ratio 2.0 (95% CI 1.61 to 2.50), negative likelihood ratio 0.75 (95% CI 0.65 to 0.86), diagnostic odds ratio 3.03 (95% CI 2.10 to 4.37) and area under the curve 0.72.

CONCLUSION

There is no evidence that renal and bladder ultrasonography should be recommended as a test to predict a vesicoureteral reflux in children with their first urinary tract infection.

Role of Renal Ultrasonography in Predicting Vesicoureteral Reflux and Renal Scarring in Children Hospitalized with a First Febrile Urinary Tract Infection

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to examine the capability of renal ultrasonography (US) for predicting vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and renal scarring (RS), and to assess, using initial US, the significant urologic abnormalities that impact on management of children hospitalized with a first febrile urinary tract infection (UTI).

METHODS

Hospitalized children aged ≤ 2 years with a first febrile UTI were prospectively evaluated using imaging studies, including (99m)Tc dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scan, US, and voiding cystourethrography.

RESULTS

Of the 310 children analyzed (195 boys and 115 girls), 105 (33.9%) had abnormal US. Acute DMSA scans were abnormal in 194 children (62.6%), including 89 (45.9%) with concomitant abnormal US. There was VUR in 107 children (34.5%), including 79 (25.5%) with Grades III-V VUR. The sensitivity and negative predictive values of US were 52.3% and 75.1%, respectively, for Grades I-V VUR and 68.4% and 87.8%, respectively, for Grades III-V VUR. Eighty-five children (27.4%) had RS, including 55 (64.7%) with abnormal US. Of the 105 children with abnormal US, 33 (31.4%) needed subsequent management (surgical intervention, parental counseling, or follow up of renal function). Nephromegaly on initial US and Grades III-V VUR were risk factors of RS.

CONCLUSION

Abnormal US may carry a higher probability of Grades III-V VUR and RS, and can affect subsequent management in a significant number of children. Nephromegaly on initial US and Grades III-V VUR are strongly associated with an increased risk for RS. Thus, US should be performed on children after a first febrile UTI and children with normal US may not require voiding cystourethrography.

Prediction of High-grade Vesicoureteral Reflux in Children Younger Than 2 Years Using Renal Sonography

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the predictive value of renal sonography for vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and the efficacy of renal sonography, technetium Tc 99m–labeled dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scanning, and a combination of the two for VUR screening in children younger than 2 years with a first episode of febrile urinary tract infection.

METHODS

Thirty-eight patients younger than 2 years with a first febrile urinary tract infection were included in our study, which was conducted from April through October 2014. Each kidney was considered a separate renal unit. A retrospective review of clinical information and images (renal sonography, DMSA scanning, and voiding cystourethrography) was performed.

RESULTS

Of the 14 renal units (18.4%) with VUR, 4 (28.5%) had high-grade VUR. Among single findings, dilatation of the renal collecting system, wall thickening of the renal collecting system, and DMSA scans significantly predicted VUR (P= .038, .027, and .01, respectively). Dilatation was the most common single finding (46 of 76 renal units). The sensitivity values for dilatation, wall thickening, and DMSA scans were 85.7%, 64.2%, and 50.0%, and the negative predictive values were 93.3%, 89.7%, and 87.9%.

CONCLUSIONS

The negative predictive values indicate that normal renal sonographic and DMSA findings can predict the absence of high-grade VUR. We propose that renal sonographic findings of wall thickening as well as dilatation of the renal collecting system should be considered predictive of high-grade VUR.

Renal ultrasound and DMSA screening for high-grade vesicoureteral reflux

BACKGROUND

Selection of the appropriate radiologic investigation in a child after first febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) remains a contentious issue. This report investigated the effectiveness of renal bladder ultrasound (RBUS) and late 6 month dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal scan in the detection of high-grade vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) after first febrile UTI in infants aged <1 year.

METHODS

A total of 387 infants aged <1 year with first febrile UTI who completed diagnostic follow up consisting of RBUS, voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) and late 6 month DMSA scan were enrolled in the study. The effectiveness of RBUS and DMSA scan in the detection of high-grade VUR, including cost and benefit were assessed.

RESULTS

Abnormal RBUS was identified in 95 infants (24.5%). VUR was identified on VCUG in 79 (20.4%), of whom eight (2.1%) had high-grade VUR (grade IV-V). Abnormal renal parenchyma was identified on late 6 month DMSA scan in 22 infants (5.7%). The sensitivity of abnormal RBUS and of late 6 month DMSA scan in the prediction of high-grade VUR was 50% and 87.5%, and the proportion of infants who avoided unnecessary VCUG was 75.5% and 94.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Fifty percent of high-grade VUR was not identified on RBUS screening after first febrile UTI. Although late 6 month DMSA scan had higher sensitivity in the detection of high-grade VUR, with the added benefit of detection of renal scars, the practical application of this method was limited due to its high cost, radiation exposure and the associated delay in decision making.

Renal Ultrasound for Infants Younger Than 2 Months With a Febrile Urinary Tract Infection

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to determine the performance of renal ultrasound for detecting vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and obstructive uropathies in infants younger than 2 months with a febrile urinary tract infection (UTI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of infants younger than 2 months with fever and culture-proven UTI presenting from July 1, 2008, through December 31, 2011, with renal ultrasound and voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) performed within 30 days of UTI diagnosis. Two pediatric radiologists independently reviewed the renal ultrasound and VCUG findings. Results of the renal ultrasound were deemed abnormal if collecting system dilation, renal size asymmetry, collecting system duplication, urothelial thickening, ureteral dilation, or bladder anomalies were present. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of renal ultrasound were calculated using VCUG as reference standard.

RESULTS

Of the 197 patients included (mean [SD] age, 33 [ 15 ] days; male-to-female ratio, 2:1), 25% (n = 49) had VUR grades I-V, with 16% (n = 31) having VUR grades III-V and 8% (n = 15) having VUR grades IV-V. For grades I-V VUR, sensitivity was 32.7% (95% CI, 20.0-47.5%), specificity was 69.6% (95% CI, 61.5-76.9%), PPV was 26.2% (95% CI, 15.8-39.1%), and NPV was 75.7% (95% CI, 67.6-82.7%). For grades III-V VUR, sensitivity was 51.6% (95% CI, 33.1-69.9%), specificity was 72.9% (95% CI, 65.5-79.5%), PPV was 26.2% (95% CI, 15.8-39.1%), and NPV was 89.0% (95% CI, 82.5-93.7%). For grades IV-V VUR, sensitivity was 86.7% (95% CI, 59.5-98.3%), specificity was 73.6% (95% CI, 66.6-79.9%), PPV was 21.3% (95% CI, 11.9-33.7%), and NPV was 98.5% (95% CI, 94.8-99.8%). No obstructive uropathies were diagnosed by VCUG in patients with normal renal ultrasound findings.

CONCLUSION

In infants younger than 2 months, a normal renal ultrasound makes the presence of grades IV and V VUR highly unlikely but does not rule out lower grades of VUR.

Value of sonographic anterior-posterior renal pelvis measurements before and after voiding for predicting vesicoureteral reflux in children

PURPOSE

Voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) is the gold standard for diagnosing vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), but it is important to minimize the use of VCUG because of the urinary catheterization and radiation exposure required. Ultrasound (US) observations suggest that pelvicalyceal dilatation varies according to the degree of bladder fullness in children with urinary tract infection. The aim of this study was to assess whether anterior-posterior (AP) measurements of the renal pelvis on US before and after voiding can be used as a screening tool while predicting the presence of VUR in children.

METHODS

The subjects were toilet-trained children older than 4 years who required VCUG. Two groups were established based on the VCUG results: a VUR group of 40 kidney units (each unit defined as calyces and ureter) that exhibited different severities of reflux, and a control group of 68 kidney units unaffected by VUR. Prior to VCUG, US AP measurements of the renal pelvis of each kidney unit were recorded when the urinary bladder was full and again after bladder emptying. The change in AP measurement from before to after voiding was compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The mean change in AP measurements from before to after voiding in the VUR group was significantly greater than that in the control group (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Comparing US AP measurements of the renal pelvis before and after voiding is useful for identifying children who are suspected to have VUR and thus require immediate VCUG.

Predictive value of specific ultrasound findings when used as a screening test for abnormalities on VCUG

BACKGROUND

Renal and bladder ultrasound (RBUS) is often used as an initial screening test for children after urinary tract infection (UTI), and the 2011 AAP guidelines specifically recommend RBUS be performed first, with voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) to be performed only if the ultrasound is abnormal. It is uncertain whether specific RBUS findings, alone or in combination, might make RBUS more useful as a predictor of VCUG abnormalities.

AIMS

To evaluate the association of specific RBUS with VCUG findings, and determine whether predictive models that accurately predict patients at high risk of VCUG abnormalities, based on RBUS findings, can be constructed.

METHODS

and study sample: A total of 3995 patients were identified with VCUG and RBUS performed on the same day. The RBUS and VCUG reports were reviewed and the findings were classified. Analysis was limited to patients aged 0-60 months with no prior postnatal genitourinary imaging and no history of prenatal hydronephrosis.

ANALYSIS

The associations between large numbers of specific RBUS findings with abnormalities seen on VCUG were investigated. Both multivariate logistic models and a neural network machine learning algorithms were constructed to evaluate the predictive power of RBUS for VCUG abnormalities (including VUR or bladder/urethral findings). Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and area under receiving operating curves (AUROC) of RBUS for VCUG abnormalities were determined.

RESULTS

A total of 2259 patients with UTI as the indication for imaging were identified. The RBUS was reported as "normal" in 75.0%. On VCUG, any VUR was identified in 41.7%, VUR grade > II in 20.9%, and VUR grade > III in 2.8%. Many individual RBUS findings were significantly associated with VUR on VCUG. Despite these strong univariate associations, multivariate modeling didn't result in a predictive model that was highly accurate. Multivariate logistic regression built via stepwise selection had: AUROC = 0.57, sensitivity = 86% and specificity = 25% for any VUR; AUROC = 0.60, sensitivity = 5% and specificity = 99% for VUR grade > II; and AUROC = 0.67, sensitivity = 6% and specificity = 99% for VUR grade > III. The best predictive model constructed via neural networks had: AUROC = 0.69, sensitivity = 64% and specificity = 60% for any VUR; AUROC = 0.67, sensitivity = 18% and specificity = 98% for VUR grade > II; and AUROC = 0.79, sensitivity = 32% and specificity = 100% for VUR grade > III.

CONCLUSIONS

Even with the state-of-the-art predictive models, abnormal findings on RBUS provide a poor screening test for genitourinary abnormalities. Renal bladder ultrasound and VCUG should be considered complementary, as they provide important, but different, information.

Practical approach to screen vesicoureteral reflux after a first urinary tract infection

Introduction:

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a common pediatric urologic disorder. After the first urinary tract infection (UTI), imaging studies are recommended, starting with a renal ultrasound (RUS). Voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) and dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scan are the other main radiologic studies used to detect VUR. We evaluated the use of RUS as a screening method for VUR in children below 2 years of age, in order to avoid unnecessary VCUG.

Materials and Methods:

Medical records and imaging studies of infants (<2 years) who had their first UTI in a 6 year period were retrospectively reviewed. We evaluated the sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive values of RUS and DMSA for diagnosing VUR.

Results:

Among 155 children (51% males) with their first UTI, 148 RUS were performed, 128 VCUG and 29 DMSA. VUR was detected in 21% patients; 14.5% low grade and 6.5% high grade. One hundred and twenty-one patients underwent both RUS and VCUG, 101 RUS were normal and 20 abnormal. Of the normal RUS 98% had no or low grade VUR. Among those with an abnormality on RUS 30% had high grade VUR (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

After the first UTI in infants (<2 years) RUS is a good screening method for VUR. Among such shildren with a normal RUS, we do not recommend VCUG or DMSA. In our opinion, VCUG should be performed only in patients with abnormal findings in RUS or in recurrent UTI.

Paediatric urinary tract infections: a retrospective application of the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines to a large general practitioner referred historical cohort

BACKGROUND

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) is a United Kingdom nondepartmental public body accountable to the Department of Health. Before the introduction of the NICE guidelines in the United Kingdom most children younger than 1 year of age had a urinary tract ultrasound, cyclic micturating cystourethrogram and dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy, the latter delayed 6 months post infection. Children older than 1 year had a urinary tract ultrasound only, and further imaging if necessary.

OBJECTIVE

Identify who would have been investigated had the NICE imaging strategy been used and who would not. Compare the diagnostic yield and patient outcome with the previous imaging protocol using our prospectively collected historical data.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We applied the new imaging strategy to a historic cohort of 934 patients with a urinary tract infection (UTI) referred by general practitioners to a specialist children's hospital between 1996 and 2002.

RESULTS

Of the 934 patients referred, 218 would have been investigated according to the NICE guidelines. In total, there were 105 patients with abnormal imaging findings, and 44 of these (42%) would have been investigated under the NICE guidelines.

CONCLUSION

Applying the NICE guidelines to children presenting with UTI will reduce the number imaged by 77% and will lead to missed identification of 58% of imaging abnormalities in the group. The majority of these abnormalities may be important. While supporting conservative investigation protocols, we are concerned that many abnormalities might go undetected.

Clinical outcome after endoscopic therapy for occult vesicoureteral reflux in females: preliminary results of a retrospective case series

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome after endoscopic therapy by injection of bulking agent in the treatment of occult vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) [no VUR on standard voiding cystourethrography (VCUG), but positive (99m)Tc-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scan] in females who have recurrent febrile urinary tract infections (UTIs).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A case series was retrospectively identified of 24 females (mean age 15.5 years) with negative VCUG, but renal scars in one (n = 4) or both (n = 20) kidneys on DMSA scan. Endoscopic injection was performed bilaterally in 20 (83.3%) and unilaterally in four patients (16.7%). The incidence of postoperative UTIs was documented with a mean follow-up of 2.5 years (range 1-6 years).

RESULTS

The mean renal part function (DMSA scan) on the left and right sides was 53.5% (15-74%) and 47.3% (26-85%), respectively. Twenty-one out of 24 patients (87.5%) showed no evidence of any febrile UTIs postoperatively. One patient (4.2%) experienced a further febrile UTI 6 months after treatment. Two other patients (8.3%) had one questionable afebrile UTI, 4 and 3 years after therapy. Pressure-flow electromyography confirmed a dysfunctional voiding pattern in 12 patients (50%) treated with pelvic floor therapy and behavioural interventions before endoscopic therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Injection of bulking agent seems to be a suitable treatment for occult VUR in females to prevent further febrile UTIs. Patients with occult VUR should undergo a careful evaluation of possible urodynamic disorders such as dysfunctional voiding. These findings should be studied in prospective trials before drawing any conclusions.

Ultrasound as a screening test for genitourinary anomalies in children with UTI

BACKGROUND

The 2011 American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines state that renal and bladder ultrasound (RBUS) should be performed after initial febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) in a young child, with voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) performed only if RBUS shows abnormalities. We sought to determine test characteristics and predictive values of RBUS for VCUG findings in this setting.

METHODS

We analyzed 3995 clinical encounters from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2010 during which VCUG and RBUS were performed for history of UTI. Patients who had previous postnatal genitourinary imaging or history of prenatal hydronephrosis were excluded. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of RBUS for VCUG abnormalities were determined.

RESULTS

We identified 2259 patients age <60 months who had UTI as the indication for imaging. RBUS was reported as "normal" in 75%. On VCUG, any vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) was identified in 41.7%, VUR grade >II in 20.9%, and VUR grade >III in 2.8%. Sensitivity of RBUS for any abnormal findings on VCUG ranged from 5% (specificity: 97%) to 28% (specificity: 77%). Sensitivity for VUR grade >III ranged from 18% (specificity: 97%) to 55% (specificity: 77%). Among the 1203 children aged 2 to 24 months imaged after a first febrile UTI, positive predictive value of RBUS was 37% to 47% for VUR grade >II (13% to 24% for VUR grade >III); negative predictive value was 72% to 74% for VUR grade >II (95% to 96% for VUR grade >III).

CONCLUSIONS

RBUS is a poor screening test for genitourinary abnormalities. RBUS and VCUG should be considered complementary as they provide important, but different, information.

Sibship size, sibling cognitive sensitivity, and children's receptive vocabulary

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the current study was to examine the relationship between sibship size and children's vocabulary as a function of quality of sibling interactions. It was hypothesized that coming from a larger sibship (ie, 3+ children) would be related to lower receptive vocabulary in children. However, we expected this association to be moderated by the level of cognitive sensitivity shown by children's next-in-age older siblings.

METHODS

Data on 385 children (mean age = 3.15 years) and their next-in-age older siblings (mean age = 5.57 years) were collected and included demographic questionnaires, direct testing of children's receptive vocabulary, and videos of mother-child and sibling interactions. Sibling dyads were taped engaging in a cooperative building task and tapes were coded for the amount of cognitive sensitivity the older sibling exhibited toward the younger sibling.

RESULTS

Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted and showed an interaction between sibship size and sibling cognitive sensitivity in the prediction of children's receptive vocabulary; children exposed to large sibships whose next-in-age older sibling exhibited higher levels of cognitive sensitivity were less likely to show low vocabulary skills when compared with those children exposed to large sibships whose siblings showed lower levels of cognitive sensitivity.

CONCLUSIONS

Children who show sensitivity to the cognitive needs of their younger siblings provide a rich environment for language development. The negative impact of large sibships on language development is moderated by the presence of an older sibling who shows high cognitive sensitivity.

Urinary concentration of cytokines in children with acute pyelonephritis

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common bacterial infection among infants and children. Predicting which children with upper UTI will develop long-term sequelae remains difficult. We aimed at evaluating the predictive value of urine concentrations of interleukin-6 (UIL-6) and interleukin-8 (UIL-8) in subsequent renal scarring. In the current observational prospective study, urine samples for UIL-6 and UIL-8 were obtained from two groups: 31 children with first episode of febrile UTI and 22 febrile children of other origin. UIL-6 and UIL-8 were increased in children with febrile UTI, compared to children with fever of other origin [median and range (picograms per milliliter): (1) UIL-6, 74.46 (0-168) vs. 10.51 (0-47.50), respectively, p = 0.0001; (2) UIL-8, 2,660.38 (0-13,801) vs. 0, respectively, p = 0.0001]. Renal scarring was found in 5/31 (16 %) children with acute pyelonephritis. Initial median UIL-8 values were significantly higher in children with later renal scarring than in those without renal scarring [median and range (picograms per milliliter): 6,163 (2,021-13,801) vs. 1,490.5 (0-5,737), respectively, p = 0.018]. In conclusion, UIL-8 might serve as a predictive biomarker for renal scarring after an acute episode of pyelonephritis. Since UIL-8 emerges as a renal-specific diagnostic and prognostic marker, it may be suitable as a selective screening tool for children with febrile UTI.

Update on recent guidelines for the management of urinary tract infections in children: the shifting paradigm

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Recent guidelines on the management of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children have seen a shift from aggressive imaging studies and the use of prophylactic antibiotics to a more restrictive and targeted approach. This review focuses on new additions to the literature on management of UTI from January 2011 to September 2012.

RECENT FINDINGS

The causal relationship between UTI-vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and renal scarring has been challenged by several studies. Concerns about unnecessary exposure to ionizing radiation, invasiveness of some of the procedures, and risk of infection have also been raised. With improved prenatal ultrasound, a 'top-down' approach to investigating febrile UTI in children using renal bladder ultrasound alone as an initial study has become popular. Several studies have reported that prophylactic antibiotics and imaging studies after first UTI can be reduced substantially without affecting the risk of recurrent UTI or renal scarring.

SUMMARY

The use of targeted imaging approach in evaluating febrile UTI in children may lead to improved resource use and reduction of potential harmful procedures and interventions, without affecting outcomes of UTI in children. Providers using current guidelines should endeavor to collect practice-based evidence to validate and inform future guidelines.

Hypertension

Hypertension is the most common modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Antihypertensive treatment substantially reduces the risk of heart failure, stroke, and myocardial infarction. Current guidelines recommend screening all adults for high blood pressure (BP). Lifestyle modifications to help control high BP include weight loss, exercise, moderation of alcohol intake, and a diet low in sodium and saturated fats and high in fruits and vegetables. Out-of-office BP monitoring should be used to confirm suspected white coat effect, especially in patients with apparent resistant hypertension.