Pediatric Urinary Tract Infections

Management of UTIs in children is often different than in adults. Since many cannot easily give a urine specimen, urine collection can be problematic. Suprapubic aspiration from the bladder is best followed by urethral catheterization; bag collection and absorbent pads are less reliable. There is no standardization of therapy once a UTI is diagnosed. Short courses of antibiotics are not widely prescribed for children, as they are in adults. In children with recurrent UTIs, prophylactic antibiotics are frequently utilized, but evidence of their efficacy is weak. Additional measures, such as treatment of constipation, biofeedback to promote pelvic floor relaxation, and oral cranberry formulations, are also utilized with little supporting evidence. © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Duke Scholars

Author John Samuel Wiener Urology