Diagnosis and Management of Urinary Tract Infections

This chapter addresses all aspects of urinary tract infections, encompassing the initial clinical presentation, diagnosis, investigation and management. Additional sections discuss the pathophysiology and potential for renal parenchymal damage, investigative options, associated abnormalities of the kidneys and urinary tract, strategies to reduce subsequent infections and long-term clinical consequences. There is an emphasis on recent research, particularly prospective randomized controlled trials that are contributing to a reassessment of appropriate investigative protocols, the acute and ongoing management, as well as an improved understanding of these common childhood infections. Shortcomings in our knowledge and directions for future research are also discussed.