Urinary Tract Infection in Children: A Review of the Established Practice Guidelines

Abstract

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a significant cause of morbidity in children. Delayed treatment is associated with complications that may result in chronic kidney disease and, subsequently, end-stage kidney disease. Over the years, clinical practice guidelines have advanced to ensure the best global practices in treating the infection and preventing its progression to chronic kidney disease. The established practice guidelines address five main questions: 1) which children should have their urine tested; 2) how the sample should be obtained; 3) which radiological tests are recommended after a diagnosis of UTI; 4) how the infection should be treated; 5) and how affected children should be followed up. There is a substantial overlap in the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines and the UK’s National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines. Subtle differences, however, exist between the two established guidelines. An evidence-based paradigm shift of some traditional concepts about UTI in children has contributed to the revision and update of these guidelines. Further research is needed to clarify the role of host and genetic factors in renal scarring, as well as the diagnostic criteria for UTI. This narrative review aims to discuss the current recommendations of these established practice guidelines with an emphasis on the diagnosis, radiological investigation, treatment, and follow-up of UTI in children.