title: Urinary tract infection in the setting of vesicoureteral reflux.
abstract: Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is the most common underlying etiology responsible for febrile urinary tract infections (UTIs) or pyelonephritis in children. Along with the morbidity of pyelonephritis, long-term sequelae of recurrent renal infections include renal scarring, proteinuria, and hypertension. Treatment is directed toward the prevention of recurrent infection through use of continuous antibiotic prophylaxis during a period of observation for spontaneous resolution or by surgical correction. In children, bowel and bladder dysfunction (BBD) plays a significant role in the occurrence of UTI and the rate of VUR resolution. Effective treatment of BBD leads to higher rates of spontaneous resolution and decreased risk of UTI.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Urology, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
authors.forename: Michael L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Garcia-Roig
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Urology, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
authors.forename: Andrew J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Kirsch
keywords: Vesicoureteral reflux; pediatric urology; pyelonephritis; urinary tract infections