The association between urinary tract infection and idiopathic hypercalciuria in children.

BACKGROUND

Identifying the risk factors is important in prevention of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association of UTI and idiopathic hypercalciuria (IHC).

METHODS

Two hundred and twenty-four children aged between 1 month and 16 years and diagnosed to have UTI were evaluated for urinary calcium excretion. The children were diagnosed to have IHC if their urinary calcium/creatinine ratios in at least two different spot urine samples were >0.6 between 0-1 year old and ≥0.21 over 1 year or daily calcium excretion >4 mg/kg.

RESULTS

The frequency of IHC was found to be 16.7%. Family history of urolithiasis, parental consanguinity, presentation with abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and discomfort were found to be significantly higher in the IHC group. No association was found between IHC and the recurrence of UTI, presence of vesicoureteral reflux, renal scar formation, and the prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

IHC should be considered among the risk factors for UTI and should be investigated particularly in patients with family history of urinary stones and suggestive complaints of IHC.