INFECTIONS of the urinary tract are second only to infections of the respiratory tract in frequency and, therefore, represent a very common pediatric problem. In most instances the infection involves the kidney substance (pyelonephritis). In recurrent or chronic infections, usually superimposed on a congenital anatomic defect, functional damage often results. Because of the serious consequences of untreated urinary infection, early diagnosis is imperative, particularly so where there is an associated urinary tract anomaly and where infection tends to persist.
Localizing clinical signs of infection in the urinary tract are too commonly absent to be relied on for a diagnosis, and pyuria, the usual indication of infection in the urinary tract, may be absent in the presence of infection. To date, the most reliable indication of infection in the urinary tract is obtained by finding bacteria in the urine in significant numbers.
A study on postnatal evaluation and follow-up of infants with antenatally detected hydronephrosis
