The Prognostic Significance of Fever in Childhood Urinary Infections

Abstract

All infants and children with proven bacteriuria require urologic investiga tion and surveillance, but their prospects for developing chronic renal disease are variable. These differences are related to whether or not the bacteria have access to the kidneys. Such access correlates closely with the presence of an underlying congenital anomaly, particularly vesicoureteral reflux. Fever during an episode of active urinary infection is a strong indica tion that the patient has vesicoureteral reflux or some other significant uropathy and probably pyelonephritis.