[Urine samples from children collected in their homes].
BACKGROUND
Children at high risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) enter a programme for domestic urine sampling at the Paediatric Department in Aarhus. Parents collect urine, describe symptoms and post the samples. We wanted to determine the value of domestic urine sampling and to evaluate the programme.


METHODS
All samples received in 2004 were studied.


RESULTS
A total of 706 urine samples from children in the programme were cultivated. In all 76 children fulfilled the criteria for UTI when culture and symptoms were compared. Dip-slide analysis had a sensitivity of 72% and a negative predictive value of 96%. A total of 329 urine samples with negative dip-slide analyses were collected from children with no urinary tract symptoms. Only 27 of these samples were culture-positive and none of these children developed signs of UTI.


CONCLUSIONS
The results from this study suggest that home urine sampling from children at high risk of UTI with no symptoms does not contribute towards avoiding the development of pyelonephritis. A home urine sample analysis programme for children with symptoms is, however, a valuable instrument for early and efficient treatment of UTI in children with high risk of UTI. Urine samples should only be cultivated if the child has symptoms or the dip-slide test is positive.
Granild-Jensen
Jakob
J
Arhus Universitetshospital, Skejby, Nefrourologisk Forskningsgruppe, Paediatrisk Forskningslaboratorium A. jakobgranild@hotmail.com
Mikkelsen
Mette Marie
MM
Veirum
Jens Erik
JE
Rittig
Søren
S
D000293:Adolescent; D001419:Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification; D001437:Bacteriuria / Q000175:diagnosis; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic / Q000382:microbiology / Q000592:standards; D012307:Risk Factors; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D016482:Urinalysis / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D014546:Urinary Catheterization; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000652:urine*
D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic