FREQUENCY AND ETIOLOGY OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION (UTI) IN CHILDREN WITH NEPHROTIC SYNDROME

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the frequency and microbiological etiology of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children with nephrotic syndrome (NS), and to assess potential associations with demographic and clinical variables such as age, gender, and duration of disease. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted over six months at the Department of Pediatrics, Combined Military Hospital, Gujranwala. A total of 169 children aged 4–16 years with diagnosed nephrotic syndrome were enrolled using a non-probability consecutive sampling technique. Data were collected through a structured proforma. Midstream urine samples were obtained and cultured to identify causative organisms. Demographic and clinical characteristics were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Post-stratification chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were applied to assess statistical associations. Results: The mean age of participants was 9.2 ± 3.1 years, with 58% being male. The overall frequency of UTI was 12.4% (n=21). Escherichia coli was the most commonly isolated organism (81%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, and Enterococcus faecalis. Stratified analysis revealed a higher prevalence of UTI in younger age groups (4–8 years), females, and children with disease duration >12 months. A statistically significant association was found between longer NS duration and UTI (p ≤ 0.05), while no significant association was observed with gender or parental education. Conclusion: UTI is a notable complication in children with nephrotic syndrome, particularly in those with prolonged disease duration. Routine screening is recommended to ensure timely detection and treatment.