Objective: To assess the development of UTI in paediatric patients, presented to OPD with urolithiasis. To ascertain what general parameters are associated with UTI, and examine specific characteristics of the calculi.
Method: It was a retrospective study. Files of paediatric patients from July 2000 to December 2004 were reviewed. Only those patients with calculi and absent UTI and upto 5 years age were studied. All files of patients, primarily presenting with UTI, and those with documented urological procedures prior to UTI occurrence, were excluded from the study. Ultrasound and X-ray techniques were used to determine stone size and location. Collected urine samples were screened for UTI; organisms were isolated and cultured using Cystine Lactose Electrolyte Deficient (CLED) culture medium.
Result: A total of 149 patients were studied. The mean age was 3.05 +/- 1.25 years, [77.2 %] were males [22.8%] females. Urinary tract infection [UTI] was found in 37.6% cases. Age status was significantly associated with UTI [p=0.008] along with the anatomical location [p=0.021]. The most common organism found on our culture plate of UTI positive patients was E. coli (21.4%). Bacteria were most sensitive to aminoglycoside group [16%] of antibiotics.
Conclusion: We found a significant association between age, anatomical location of stones and UTI. These factors should be considered in paediatric patients to prevent UTI and its complications.