Diagnostic Challenges in Urinary Tract Infections in Children

Abstract

Context: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common infections in children that affect up to 3% of boys and 8% of girls. Delay in diagnosis and treatment causes renal injury and scars that can progress to end stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis and transplantation. Results: There are many pitfalls in diagnosis of UTIs both with urinalysis and culture methods and also in evaluating the risk factors and causes of UTIs. Conclusions: This paper reviews and discusses the common pitfalls in diagnosis and evaluation of UTIs in children.