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Low Risk for Urinary Tract Infection After Voiding Cystography in Children Without Dilated Vesikoureteral Reflux

Widhe, Emelie ; Hambraeus, Mette LU ; Hedström, Erik LU orcid ; Börjesson, Anna LU and Salö, Martin LU (2025) In Acta Paediatrica, International Journal of Paediatrics
Abstract

Aim: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common and significant complication after voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) but the reported incidence in children varies highly. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the rate and possible risk factors for UTIs after VCUG. Method: A multicentre retrospective cohort study of children < 15 years of age undergoing VCUG between 2017 and 2022 was conducted. Lower UTI (cystitis) and febrile UTI (pyelonephritis) within 14 days of VCUG were registered, defined by clinical assessment and a positive urinary culture. Results: One thousand and one examinations were included (median age 1 year, 52% boys). Previous febrile UTI was present in 58%. Pathology was found in 47% of children, of... (More)

Aim: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common and significant complication after voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) but the reported incidence in children varies highly. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the rate and possible risk factors for UTIs after VCUG. Method: A multicentre retrospective cohort study of children < 15 years of age undergoing VCUG between 2017 and 2022 was conducted. Lower UTI (cystitis) and febrile UTI (pyelonephritis) within 14 days of VCUG were registered, defined by clinical assessment and a positive urinary culture. Results: One thousand and one examinations were included (median age 1 year, 52% boys). Previous febrile UTI was present in 58%. Pathology was found in 47% of children, of which 83% had vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Post VCUG UTI occurred in 34 (3.4%) children within 14 days, of which 60% were within 7 days and 88% were febrile. Only dilating VUR increased the risk for post VCUG UTI (adjusted odds ratio 5.4 [2.6–8.7] p < 0.001). Conclusion: There was a low rate of post VCUG UTIs. Since children with dilated VUR are at risk for chronic kidney injury, targeted interventions after VCUG could possibly lower additional UTIs in this group.

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author
; ; ; and
organization
publishing date
type
Contribution to journal
publication status
epub
subject
keywords
antibiotic prophylaxis, complications, urinary tract infection, vesicoureteral reflux, voiding cystourethrography
in
Acta Paediatrica, International Journal of Paediatrics
publisher
Wiley-Blackwell
external identifiers
  • scopus:105026268968
  • pmid:41460739
ISSN
0803-5253
DOI
10.1111/apa.70437
language
English
LU publication?
yes
id
1d2c6cca-674f-4184-8724-45ba27198ef6
date added to LUP
2026-02-16 14:34:15
date last changed
2026-02-17 03:00:08
@article{1d2c6cca-674f-4184-8724-45ba27198ef6,
  abstract     = {{<p>Aim: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common and significant complication after voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) but the reported incidence in children varies highly. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the rate and possible risk factors for UTIs after VCUG. Method: A multicentre retrospective cohort study of children &lt; 15 years of age undergoing VCUG between 2017 and 2022 was conducted. Lower UTI (cystitis) and febrile UTI (pyelonephritis) within 14 days of VCUG were registered, defined by clinical assessment and a positive urinary culture. Results: One thousand and one examinations were included (median age 1 year, 52% boys). Previous febrile UTI was present in 58%. Pathology was found in 47% of children, of which 83% had vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Post VCUG UTI occurred in 34 (3.4%) children within 14 days, of which 60% were within 7 days and 88% were febrile. Only dilating VUR increased the risk for post VCUG UTI (adjusted odds ratio 5.4 [2.6–8.7] p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: There was a low rate of post VCUG UTIs. Since children with dilated VUR are at risk for chronic kidney injury, targeted interventions after VCUG could possibly lower additional UTIs in this group.</p>}},
  author       = {{Widhe, Emelie and Hambraeus, Mette and Hedström, Erik and Börjesson, Anna and Salö, Martin}},
  issn         = {{0803-5253}},
  keywords     = {{antibiotic prophylaxis; complications; urinary tract infection; vesicoureteral reflux; voiding cystourethrography}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  publisher    = {{Wiley-Blackwell}},
  series       = {{Acta Paediatrica, International Journal of Paediatrics}},
  title        = {{Low Risk for Urinary Tract Infection After Voiding Cystography in Children Without Dilated Vesikoureteral Reflux}},
  url          = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/apa.70437}},
  doi          = {{10.1111/apa.70437}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}