Urinary Tract Infections in the Newborn

The diagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI) is difficult in the newborn period since the signs and symptoms of UTI are nonspecific in this age group. Urinary tract infection in infancy may lead to renal scars and if it is underdiagnosed it may cause permanent renal damage causing hypertension or end stage renal disease. Routine follow-up with repeated urine cultures and detailed urinary tract investigations after the first UTI in neonates is recommended in order to diagnose predisposing factors and early identification of recurrent UTI. Breast-feeding and routine screening of the babies in risk groups is important for the prevention and early diagnosis of UTI. Early diagnosis, proper treatment and long-term follow-up of babies experiencing UTI in the neonatal period is very important for favorable prognosis.