ABSTRACT
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is not an uncommon event
early in life. This condition should be given strong con-
sideration in the differential list when evaluating the febrile,
ill neonate. The diagnosis of a UTI can lead to significant
morbidity for the child, not only from the disease process
itself, but also from the formidable diagnostic evaluation
subsequent to their initial presentation. Given the premature
immune system, infants and particularly neonates, are at risk
for disseminated bacteremia which can lead to a more
dangerous scenario than in older children and adults. Due
to this associated danger, a thorough evaluation and prompt
treatment when necessary are mandatory. In addition, the
pediatric specialist needs to recognize that UTI may be a
marker of a more serious, underlying urologic congenital
and/or functional anomaly, which may be amenable to
operative correction and cure.
