Urinary tract infection and vesicoureteric reflux

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the common causes of hospital visit in infants and children. Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) predisposes to UTI and renal scarring. VUR is usually diagnosed after an episode of UTI. VUR is the most common underlying etiology responsible for febrile UTIs or pyelonephritis in children. Along with the morbidity of pyelonephritis, long-term sequelae of recurrent renal infections include renal scarring, proteinuria, and hypertension. Treatment is directed toward the prevention of recurrent infection through the use of continuous antibiotic prophylaxis during a period of observation for spontaneous resolution or by surgical correction. In children, bowel and bladder dysfunction (BBD) plays a significant role in the occurrence of UTI and the rate of VUR resolution. Effective treatment of BBD leads to higher rates of spontaneous resolution and decreased risk of UTI.