Prevalence is highest in infants younger than 3 months, girls with fever, and uncircumcised boys.
During the past decade, many studies have assessed the prevalence of urinary tract infection (UTI) in children with fever. Investigators conducted a meta-analysis of data from 18 such studies (involving 22,919 children with UTI symptoms) to determine pooled estimates of UTI prevalence in children.
Among febrile infants younger than 3 months (14 studies), prevalence of UTI was 8.7% in boys and 7.5% in girls; it was substantially higher in uncircumcised boys than in circumcised boys (20.1% vs. 2.4%). Among febrile infants aged 3 to 6 months (4 studies), prevalence was 5.7% in girls and 3.3% in boys. Among febrile infants aged 6 to 12 months (4 studies), prevalence was 5.4%, and was higher in uncircumcised boys than in circumcised boys (7.3% vs. 0.3%).
Comment: These pooled estimates can help clinicians select children who might benefit from diagnostic evaluation. UTIs are common in infants younger than 3 months. After age 6 months, prevalence is highest in febrile girls and uncircumcised boys.
— Howard Bauchner, MD
Published in Journal Watch General Medicine April 22, 2008
Shaikh N et al. Prevalence of urinary tract infection in childhood: A meta-analysis. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2008 Apr; 27:302.