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My Baby Had An E.coli UTI And Was In Hospital

Posted on Fri, 10 Jan 2020

Question: My baby had an e.coli UTI and was in hospital for a week. His CRP was 200+.
He got better and sent home.
His urine was clear for ages but now it’s cloudy again with sediment.
We took him back they took a dip test, negative. CRP is <1. That’s all they checked.
Could there be a kidney problem or something else that would not show up in these tests??

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Cloudy urine does not always suggests UTI

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for asking on this platform

I have gone through the query and do understand your concern.
There can be other reasons too apart from UTI for the cloudy urine.
So I won't get overly worried if the dip test is negative which detects almost all the significant substances in urine including the WBC indicating any kidney/bladder or other urinary tract issues.
Added to this CRP is negative which also excludes bacterial infection.
Cloudy urine can be due to low water intake or due to phosphate in urine which can not be detected by dip test.
Most of the time it is transient and clears on its own. But if it is persistent your physician may ask to get blood calcium, phosphorus or vitamin D level done.
I would like to know the age of your baby and also if any imaging has been done/planned or not.
Even a single episode of UTI in small children warrants imaging like USG, +/- MCU to find out if there is any underlying issue as further management depends on that.
I hope this helps.
Please let me know if you have any more doubts.
Thanks and Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (6 hours later)

Thank you for your reply.
It’s been cloudy now for 4 days.
Yes we are on a waiting list for a DMSA and MCUG to check bladder reflux kidney function and kidney scarring.
But it’s taking ages.
I just don’t want him to get any worse scarring or anything.
Is there anything I should ask my GP?
So a kidney problem would definitely show up in the CRP test number?

Thank you

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Get urine routine analysis, microscopic examination and culture done

Detailed Answer:
Hi

I can understand your concern as it's now been 4 days of cloudy urine.
In view of recent urinary tract infection and urine was tested by dip method, I would like to get further investigations done.
You are right as normal CRP and dipstick does not completely rule out UTI.
Dipstick test is although specific for detection of UTI but not very sensitive and UTI might be missed.
Please get urine routine analysis, microscopic examination and culture done. It would be better if you also arrange for urinary calcium, phosphorus and creatinine level done.
With these tests we can find the cause of cloudy urine be it due to UTI or sediments.
Don't get overly worried about scarring and damage of kidney as it is not very rapid process in most of the cases. Get MCUG and DMSA done as per the schedule.

Wishing for good health of your baby.
Please feel free to ask if you have any other doubts.
Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (3 hours later)

Thank you very very much :)

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Most welcome

Detailed Answer:
It's my pleasure that you found my suggestions helpful.
I shall be glad to help further if you need any.
Wishing for good health of your baby
Regards

Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana