Clinical, uropathogenic, and radiological profile of culture-positive urinary tract infections in children below 18 months of age

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in children and have the risk of renal scarring. To better identify this at risk group, the following study was carried out to analyze the clinical profile of children below 18 months of age with culture-positive UTI and the outcome of radiological investigations. The primary objective was to assess the clinical profile of culture-positive UTI children and diagnostic yield and correlation between radiological tests. The secondary objectives were to assess the prevalent uropathogens and their antibiogram. Materials and Methods: For this retrospective study, clinical details regarding radiological investigations, prevalent uropathogens and antibiograms, common antibiotics used in treatment, and uroprophylaxis were obtained through electronic medical records in children <18 months of age admitted with culture-positive UTI. Results: In 225 children seen over a period of 36 months, a slight male predominance (56%) was observed. Ultrasonography (USG) was done in nearly all children, micturating cystourethrography (MCU) was performed in only 40% of patients, dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), performed after 6 months of the index UTI, in one-fifths of the patients. All three investigations were performed in one out of six children. USG and MCU used in combination detected the highest number of significant abnormalities (39%) compared to USG and DMSA (32%). Escherichia coli was the predominant uropathogen identified. Significant meropenem resistance (52%) was observed in the community-acquired UTI. Conclusion: The evaluation and follow-up of infants and young children with UTI show inadequate radiological evaluation, which could increase the risk of undetected and untreated renal sequelae.