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Questions posted in the
The Urology Forum have been answered by urologists from Henry Ford Health System and by Dr. Kevin Pho.
Question Title: 9 month old with UTIForum: The Urology Forum
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My 9 month old daughter was treated for her first UTI, and the pediatrician has step up a VCUG and ultrasound. I am curious if there are any complications associated with either test or any concerns to doing these tests on such a yound child. Thank you
= Dear Tracy, A urinary tract infection (UTI) is usually caused by bacteria that get into the bladder. UTI’s are very common in children particularly in little girls. They tend to keep coming back and need to be evaluated. Some children are prone to get UTI’s because of a tendency that runs in the family. The infections recur because the bacteria stick to the mucosa around the opening to the bladder (the urethra) in some people, and then get into the bladder. The younger the child with a urinary tract infection, the greater the likelihood of finding an anatomic cause for the problem. This last statement is the reason your doctor has ordered the ultrasound and VCUG. This is a standard work-up for UTI’s in children and one that is proven to be the best means of identifying and following any problems. The ultrasound is a painless procedure which is done by passing a probe over the skin overlying the kidneys and bladder. The U/S tells us if both kidneys are present, if a kidney may be obstructed and if the bladder empties normally. The other test, a VCUG, involves putting a catheter into the bladder, filling it with x-ray dye and taking X-rays. This test tells us if urine goes back up into the kidneys (REFLUX). This test is important since reflux cannot be seen on ultrasound. However, passing the catheter may cause momentary pain or a strong urge to urinate. There are usually no long-term complications of either test though once in awhile a urine infection results. This information is provided for general medical educational purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition. More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its satellites (1 800 653-6568). Sincerely. HFHS M.D.-AK *Keyword: pediatric urinary tract infections, vesicoureteral reflux
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