Comparison of Urinary Lactic Dehydrogenase with Antibody-Coated Bacteria in the Urine Sediment as Means of Localizing the Site of Urinary Tract Infection

Abstract

Two non-invasive methods of localizing the site of urinary tract infection [UTI] urinary lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) isoenzymes and antibody [Ab] coating of bacteria in the urinary sediment were prospectively compared with the bladder washout technique in a series of children with UTI. Fifteen children had infection localized in the upper tract. In 14 children, urinary LDH isoenzymes correctly localized the infection Ab coating of bacteria did so in only 8 patients (P. < .02). Fourteen children had lower tract infection by the bladder washout technique. Urinary LDH isoenzymes localized infection in all 14 children, whereas the Ab coating correctly localized the infection in 6 children (P < .05). The urinary LDH isoenzyme pattern is a more accurate technique than detection of Ab-coated bacteria for localizing the site of urinary tract infection.