title: Differentiation of upper and lower urinary tract infections: how and when?
abstract: The principal purpose of differentiating upper and lower urinary tract infections is to prevent renal damage by determining which patients require long-term antibiotic treatment and follow-up. This article takes a critical look at the method now in use for differentiation of these infections. Special attention is given to the problems of locating a urinary tract infection in a child, both because this is exceptionally difficult in this population and because kidney infections in children carry a high risk of permanent damage including renal failure and hypertension.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000919:Antibody-Coated Bacteria Test, Urinary; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D002648:Child; D003558:Cystoscopy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000652:urine; D007770:L-Lactate Dehydrogenase / Q000652:urine; D008297:Male; D009393:Nephritis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011859:Radiography; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000652:urine
chemical_list: D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D007770:L-Lactate Dehydrogenase