Re: Hematuria

Posted By HFHS M.D.-JJ on August 17, 1998 at 11:49:44:

In Reply to: Hematuria posted by Kim Porrazzo on August 11, 1998 at 01:57:29:






My 12 year old son had back pain when urinating several weeks
ago.  An IVP showed no blockage or stones.  A blood test in the
ER showed there was a "significant" amount of blood in the urine.
A nephrologist is following up with blood
work and a urine test to be conducted under a microscope.  A
recent test showed the numbers were looking like they are
returning to normal, but there are still red blood cells in the
urine.
What is your best guess as to what the cause is?  I was frightened
to see the word "cancer" when I did a search for hematuria.
Thank you.
Thank you.  KP
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Dear Kim,
The list of causes for hematuria (blood in the urine) in childhood is long and may include glomerulonephritis (a type of renal disease which is the most common cause of hematuria in children), IgA Nephropathy (another type of renal disease), Henoch Schonlein Purpura (a blood vessel problem), Alports syndrome (another kidney disease), kidney stones, urinary tract infection, etc.
The workup of hematuria in children includes an IVP or a renal ultrasound (an IVP actually provides more information than ultrasound), and it is reassuring that your sons IVP was normal.  However, since your son also had flank pain, it is possible that something may be going on that deserves adequate workup.  Although malignancies in the kidney, ureter, and bladder are always possible, they are extremely unlikely with respect to your sons age group and the fact that the IVP was normal.  The fact that a nephrologist is in the process of working up your son is reassuring, and hopefully they will be able to come up with an appropriate diagnosis.  
It should be emphasized that sometimes individuals develop microscopic hematuria (blood only detected on a urinalysis) of unknown cause, and a large percentage of workup for hematuria (alone) comes out to be negative.  Wish you the best.
This information is provided for general medical education 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.-JJ
*Keyword: hematuria
KP