Can We Differentiate Pyelonephritis and Cystitis without 99mTc-Dimercaptosuccinic Acid Scan in Children?

Abstract

Purpose: Urinary tract infection is one of the most common infections in childhood. Because of the long term sequelae, differentiation of pyelonephritis from cystitis is important. The aim of this study is to determine the value of biomarkers such as C-reactive protein and procalcitonin and whether preferred to predict pyelonephritis in children without 99mTc-Dimercaptosuccinic Acid scan.

Material and Methods: Fifty children aged 3 months to 16 years with a first urinary tract infection were included in this retrospective observational study. The medians, sensitivity, specificity, and cut-off values of serum C - reactive protein and procalcitonin to predict pyelonephritis were determined.

Results: Thirty-two (64%) patients were diagnosed with pyelonephritis and 18 (36%) were diagnosed with cystitis. The cut-off value for C - reactive protein was 34 mg/L to predict pyelonephritis, with 69% sensitivity and 61% specificity. The cut-off value for procalcitonin was 0.23 ng/mL to predict pyehlonephritis, with 69% sensitivity and 66% specificity. In combination, these biomarkers were 63% sensitive and 78% specific to predict pyelonephritis.

Conclusion: Using a combination of procalcitonin and C-Reactive Protein is preferred to predict pyelonephritis in children, instead of the 99mTc-Dimercaptosuccinic Acid scan. Because of its disadvantages, the 99mTc-Dimercaptosuccinic Acid scan should be avoided in children.