Risk factors for bacteremia in infants with urinary tract infection.

Background: Some infants with urinary tract infection (UTI) may exhibit concurrent bacteremia, potentially leading to septic shock or bacterial meningitis. Identifying risk factors for bacteremia in infants with UTI is crucial for prompt intervention to prevent subsequent adverse outcomes.

Methods: Between 2015 and 2021, a total of 632 infants with UTI aged ≤12 months were enrolled at Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital (KSVGH), among whom 20 had concurrent bacteremia. We analyzed their differences in outcomes and demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics. Independent risk factors for bacteremic UTI were identified using binary logistic regression analysis.

Results: A positive underlying disease (including congenital anomalies of kidney and urinary tract [CAKUT] and prematurity), C-reactive protein (CRP) > 8 mg/dL, lower body weight, and positive urinary nitrite were independent risk factors for infants with UTI and bacteremia.

Conclusions: Physicians should be mindful of the potential for bacteremia to develop in infants with UTI, particularly those with concurrent positive underlying diseases or CRP >8 mg/dL.