Urinary Tract Infection - Treatment

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Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a concern for children with UTIs. (See Risk Factors section.) VUR can lead to kidney infection (pyelonephritis), which can cause kidney damage. The two treatment options for children with VUR are long-term antibiotics to prevent infections or surgery to correct the condition. However, there is debate as to the benefit of these approaches. Recent studies indicate that preventive treatment with antibiotics may not be much help for preventing recurrent urinary tract infections in children, and that VUR itself may not substantially increase the risk for recurrent UTIs.

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Children with acute kidney infection are treated with various antibiotics including oral cefixime (Suprax) or a short course (2 - 4 days) of an intravenous (IV) antibiotic (typically gentamicin, given in one daily dose). An oral antibiotic then follows the IV.

Management of Catheter-Induced Urinary Tract Infections

Catheter-induced urinary tract infections are very common, and preventive measures are extremely important. In-dwelling catheters should not be used unless absolutely necessary, and they should be removed as soon as possible. Reducing the risk for infections during long-term catheter use, however, remains problematic. For men, condom catheters may be an alternative to indwelling catheters.

Daily Hygiene. A typical catheter is one that has been preconnected and sealed and uses a drainage bag system. To prevent infection, some of the following tips may be helpful:

• Drink plenty of fluids.
• The catheter tube should be free of any knots or kinks.
• Clean the catheter and the area around the urethra with soap and water daily and after each bowel movement. (Women should be sure to clean front to back.)
• Wash hands before touching the catheter or surrounding area.
• Never disconnect the catheter from the drainage bag without careful instructions from a health professional on strict methods for preventing infection.
• Keep the drainage bag off the floor.
• Stabilize the bag against the leg using tape or some other system.