Urinary tract infections in children - Epidemiology, evaluation, and management

Urinary tract infections in children are one of the most common urologic problems faced by the practicing pediatrician. A child's risk for urinary infection is determined by a complex interaction between various host defense and bacterial virulence factors. Recurrent lower urinary tract infections are frequently associated with underlying voiding dysfunction, whereas recurrent upper urinary tract infections are more often associated with anomalies and an increased risk for irreversible renal scarring. This article reviews the epidemiology, etiology, evaluation, and management of urinary infections in children.