Febrile Urinary Tract Infection in Infants Less than Two Months of Age : Characteristics and Factors Related to the Recurrence

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to characterize and to investigate the factors related to the recurrence of febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) in infants less than 2 months of age. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study in 60 infants, who were treated for the first febrile UTI. Among them, 27 infants were followed for 12 months, and were reviewed concerning the factors related to the recurrence. The factors compared for the recurrence included sex, age at diagnosis, laboratory and radiologic findings like degree of the reflux and renal cortical defect. RESULTS: Among the 60 infants studied, 52 were male (86.7%). Age at diagnosis was 39+/-13 days. The most common pathogen was E.coli (71.7%). The infants underwent an ultrasonography (n=59), DMSA scan (n=55), and voiding cystourethrography (VCUG). Further hydronephrosis, renal cortical defect, vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) were found in 28 (47.4%), 12 (21.8%) and 11 (20.4%) infants, respectively. The hydronephrosis was found frequently in the recurrent UTI group (P=0.012). The VUR was found frequently, but not significantly, in therecurrent UTI group (44.4%) than that of the non-recurrent UTI group (16.7%). CONCLUSION: During the 12 months after the first febrile UTI, hydronephrosis increased the risk of recurrent UTI. The ultrasonography is needed during the follow up of UTI in infants less than two months of age.