Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction in Children: Is Antibiotic Prophylaxis Really Necessary?

To assess the risks of developing of urinary tract infection in children with ureteropelvic junction obstruction, depending on the grade of hydronephrosis. The present retrospective study, which was conducted from 2013 to 2018 years, includes data of 131 children with antenatally diagnosed grade III and IV hydronephrosis (SFU). All patients underwent surgical treatment at the age from 3 months to 3 years and did not receive antibiotic prophylaxis. Urinary tract infection was diagnosed in the presence of WBC in urine sample (> 10 WBC/field of view), positive bacterial growth (≥105 CFU/ml) and fever (≥38.5 ° C). Children with duplex system, obstructive megaureter, vesicoureteral reflux, posterior urethral valve, and neurogenic bladder were excluded from this study. Grade III hydronephrosis was detected in 113 children and grade IV in 18 patients. The total incidence of urinary tract infection was 9.2% (12 patients), while in the group of children with grade IV hydronephrosis it was higher (in 3 of 18 - 16.7%) than in children with grade III (in 9 out of 113 - 7.9%) (P <0.05). The incidence of urinary tract infections did not differ significantly depending on the sex or age of the patients. In 7 (58.3%) patients, urinary tract infection was noted before the age of 6 months, with an average age of 2.7 months. A bacteriological study revealed that in eight (66.7%) patients, E. Coli was the causative agent of urinary tract infection. Children with antenatal diagnosed and postnatal confirmed ureteropelvic junction obstruction do not need antibiotic prophylaxis because of the low incidence of urinary tract infection. However, patients with grade IV hydronephrosis under the age of 6 months should be closely follow-up by physicians for the early diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infection.