OBJECTIVE: To prospectively assess the prevalence of vesicourethral dysfunction in children over 3 years old, comparing it with the occurrence rate for other potential factors that cause urinary infection in this age range. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 36 girls and 9 boys were assessed, with mean age of 6.4 years, ranging from 3 to 13.9 years. These children were prospectively assessed regarding the presence of symptoms of lower urinary tract dysfunction. These data were compared with the retrospective assessment of other potential risk factors for urinary infection. Ultrasonography was performed in 28 children and voiding cystourethrogram was performed in 26 patients. RESULTS: Vesicourethral dysfunction was diagnosed in 39 (87%) of the 45 children with urinary infection. Among these 39 patients, all had voiding urgency, 30 (77%) had urinary incontinence, 12 (31%) pollakiuria and 3 (8%) presented infrequent voiding. Vaginal discharge was evidenced in 8 (22%) girls and phimosis in 2 (22%) boys. Obstipation was diagnosed in 10 (22%) cases. Significant post-voiding residue was detected in 4 (13%) of the 28 cases assessed. Vesicoureteral reflux was evidenced in 5 (19%) of the 26 patients who underwent voiding cystourethrogram. In only 2 (4%) cases there was not an apparent cause for the infection. CONCLUSION: Vesicourethral dysfunction is a major cause of urinary infection in children with ages above 3 years old. In cases where voiding dysfunction in not present, other predisposing factors must be assessed. However, only 4% of the patients did not present an apparent urologic cause for the infection.
urinary tract infections; children; bacteriuria; voiding dysfunction