Introduction: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common reason for outpatient consults. It is almost always in the Top Ten consults at the sick-child clinic of a tertiary hospital. However, a study concerning the incidence and clinical and laboratory profiles of UTI in the Philippines has yet to be documented. Objectives: To determine the incidence rate and clinical and laboratory profiles of UTI among patients who consulted at the pediatric outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital. Methods: All patients 0 to 12 years, who were UTI suspects and consulted at the Sick-Child Clinic of a tertiary hospital from January to December 2006 were included in the study. Patients who had recurrent UTI or history of previous UTI and those with co-morbidities such as anatomic and/or functional problems involving the urinary tract were excluded. Chart review was done and the following were noted: demographics and clinical and laboratory characteristics. Results: Four hundred twenty three patients were included in the study. The incidence rate was 30 per 1000 persons (95% CI). 54% percent were female. The majority of the patients were between 7 to 12 years of age. The most common presenting symptoms were fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, and dysuria. Only 25 patients had urine culture done and only 8 had positive results, mostly with E. coli. The most common antibiotics used were Cotrimoxazole, Cefuroxime, and Amoxicillin. Conclusion: The incidence rate is higher compared to other studies done in general practice. The presenting signs and symptoms were however similar. Important to note is the high incidence of patients who did not follow up. It is also noted that the gold standard for the diagnosis of UTI, which is the urine culture is very seldom requested. This may lead to the over- or maybe under-diagnosis of UTI and its eventual mismanagement. Therefore, it is recommended that the approach to the diagnosis and management of UTI in children should be reviewed.
Human ; Male ; Female ; Child ; Child Preschool ; Infant ; Infant Newborn ; URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS ; INCIDENCE ; DIAGNOSIS