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Pyuria and Urine Concentration for Identifying Urinary Tract Infection in Young Children

S. Nadeem, Mohamed K. Badawy, Oluwaseun K. Oke, L. Filkins, Jason Y. Park, H. Hennes

Pediatrics, 2021

24 participants · 17 citations

Abstract

The diagnostic accuracy of pyuria for UTI varies with urine concentration; different WBCs per HPF cut points exist at different urine concentrations to better identify UTI. BrightcoveDefaultPlayer10.1542/6211774888001PEDS-VA_2020-014068 Video Abstract OBJECTIVES: Accuracy of pyuria for urinary tract infection (UTI) varies with urine concentration. Our objective of this study was to determine the optimal white blood cell (WBC) cutoff for UTI in young children at different urine concentrations as measured by urine specific gravity. METHODS: Retrospective cross-sectional study of children 1.020. RESULTS: Of the total 24 171 patients analyzed, urine culture result was positive in 2003 (8.3%). Urine was obtained by transurethral in-and-out catheterization in 97.9%. Optimal WBC cutoffs per high-power field (HPF) were 3 (positive likelihood ratio [LR+] 10.5; negative likelihood ratio [LR−] 0.12) at low, 6 (LR+ 12; LR− 0.14) at moderate, and 8 (LR+ 11.1; LR− 0.35) at high urine concentrations. Likelihood ratios for small positive LE from low to high urine concentrations (LR+ 25.2, LR− 0.12; LR+ 33.1, LR− 0.15; LR+ 37.6, LR− 0.41) remained excellent. CONCLUSIONS: Optimal pyuria cut point in predicting positive urine culture results changes with urine concentration in young children. Pyuria thresholds of 3 WBCs per HPF at low urine concentrations whereas 8 WBCs per HPF at high urine concentrations have optimal predictive value for UTI. Positive LE is a strong predictor of UTI…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 24 participants or records.

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