urinary tract infection for 3.5 months old boy

Posted by Mom of one (1317 days ago)

My boy is diagnoised with urinary tract infection (UTI) in Singapore last month. He is still on medication. The doctor in HK recommended him to do a DMSA test by the end of this month. Nevetheless, the doctor in Singapore actually said my boy just need to do a MCU test, a DMSA is not necessary. But the doctor in HK said he needs to do both, with a DMSA first and then MCU. Any mom have similar experiences, did the doctor also recommend both or just one test? If only one, which test - DMSA or MCU. I heard DMSA is more intrusive than MCU. Thanks

(I am based in Hong Kong)

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Posted by Matilda (1314 days ago)

"DMSA tests for kidney damage. VCU helps to diagnose reflux and to rule out posterior urethral valves in a little boy. They serve different purpose.

In some parts of the world, it is believed that when DMSA is normal, VCU can be withheld. In this case, doctors will recommend DMSA then VCU.

In US and Canada, all young boys who had febrile urinary infection would undergo VCU plus or minus DMSA at the same time. DMSA is used to confirm the recent episode of kidney infection (when in doubt) and to evaluate for scarring from previous kidney insult. Doctors use the latter as a prognostic indicator to direct further treatment strategy.

In some situations, especially when finance is an issue, one can go for a VCU and delay DMSA to 18 months after a febrile infection. The DMSA is then used to evaluate eventual scarring caused by the recent episode of urinary infection.

DMSA requires an IV cannula and the baby to lie still (sedation may be necessary). VCU requires a bladder cathter passed via the urethra. Both are not pleasant but acceptable tests in the case of a febrile infection and potential premanent kidney damage."

Urologist specialising in Children
Matilda International Hospital
Hong Kong

2849 0328
http://www.matilda.org

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Meiguoren (1311 days ago)

DMSA test sounds more invasive than VCU, but my baby had to have VCU and it was no problem. During procedure, nurses told me babies do better than older kids because they have no embarassment. Also, you really want to get proper diagnosis and treatment because you don't want to take a chance of kidney damage. While the idea of an IV for a baby is unpleasant, pediatric nurses are very good and do this all the time, and baby won't remember it either. Hopefully it won't be as bad as you fear and tests will be fully diagnostic. One question I have is, if DMSA test did show kidney damage, what could they do about it? In my daughter's case, there was a reflux which had to be corrected by surgery. However, urologist said no sense testing for kidney damage since there was nothing they could do about it if it was already there.

(I am based in Guangzhou)

Posted by mucilagineux (248 days ago)

My little 3 1/2 months old boy needs to do a DMSA test too and I am terrified of him being put on a drip and being scanned etc. Has anyone gone through this experience and can tell me more about it. How did it go? Any significant pain for the child? How long did it take? What was the result and how did it get treated? Any info would be highly appreciated urgently. The test is scheduled in a couple of days and like I said I am terrified for my baby.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by mscheerful (248 days ago)

my boy had it when he was like 2+ months. Nothing much happened to him, he was totally fine during and after and he cried because he wants to sleep but the doctor disturbed him :) we done all the test and found out that he did not have UTI and he is now 13 months, a happy boy.

(I am based in Hong Kong)