Micturating Cystourethrography as a Part of Urinary Tract Infection Work Up in Children

Abstract

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common infection in childhood and has the potential to cause renal damage especially in younger children (< 2 years). Almost 30- 40% cases of UTI are associated with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). The main objective of this study was to identify the presence of VUR in children with UTI and its relative distribution according to age and sex. This is a retrospective hospital based study carried out between Jestha 059 to Poush 060 (15/6/2002–15/1/2004) at department of Paediatrics, Patan Hospital. All the cases that underwent micturating cystourethrography (MCUG) as part of UTI work up were included in the study and the information was collected from patient record files. During this period total 51 patients with UTI had MCUG. Sixty-six percent were males and 82% were below 2 years of age. VUR was found in 27.4% cases and the highest number was in the age group of 2- 5 years. UTI in young children is largely overlooked and the observed frequency of VUR in children with UTI in our study is considerable, though slightly lower than reported. Therefore the standard protocol of performing MCUG as part of UTI work up in the high-risk group should be followed.

Key Words: Urinary tract infections, Vesicoureteral reflux, Children.