Pediatric urinary tract infections.

Urinary tract infection is a frequent diagnosis in infants and children who are referred to a urologist. Infections in children are often benign, yet the potential for significant renal damage in this age group makes adequate urinary tract evaluation mandatory. Urinary obstruction, vesicoureteral reflux, periurethral bacterial colonization, and voiding dysfunction are important in the pathogenesis of pediatric infections. Adequate therapy requires detection and control of these conditions in order to prevent pyelonephritic renal scarring and its sequelae.