VOIDING CYSTOURETHROGRAPHY AND CATHETER ASSOCIATED URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN CHILDHOOD

Voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) remains an important tool in evaluating children with vesicoureteric reflux (VUR). Nosocomial urinary tract infections (UT1) are still an ongoing problem in children and VCUG may lead to UTI because of indwelling bladder catheter. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether the performance of a VCUG may lead to a catheter-associated UTI.

This study comprises a total of 154 patients (116 girls, 38 boys) aged from 1 month to 15 years (mean: 6.70+3.43 years), who underwent VCUG because of reccurent UTI, during the period between January 1, 2001 and January I, 2003. Urine samples were obtained at the time of catheterization (Group 1) and after two days (Group 2). The rate of UTI was 14.2% (22 patients) in Group 1 and 22.7% (35 patients) in Group 2. The incidence of UTI associated with indwelling bladder catheters was 12.3% (19 patients). The rate of UTI associated with urinary catheters was higher in small children (< 5 years) than in older children(p<0.05).

In conclusion, it should be keept in mind that VCUG may lead to a catheter-associated UTI in childhood.