Clinical analysis of pediatric renal abscesses in a single center

Abstract Background This study aimed to analyze the clinical data on renal abscesses in children to provide a reference for early diagnosis and treatment. Methods The clinical data of 20 children with renal abscesses admitted to a single center were retrospectively analyzed. Results The cohort comprised 8 males and 12 females with a median age of 3.5 years. Fever, abdominal pain, appetite loss, vomiting, and urinary tract irritation were common. All children had elevated white blood cell counts, C-reactive protein levels, and erythrocyte sedimentation rates, and half had elevated procalcitonin levels. Only two had normal white blood cell counts in the urine sediment, while the rest showed pyuria. Urine cultures were positive in eight cases, including two each of Enterococcus faecium and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Blood culture was positive for Klebsiella pneumoniae in only 1 case. All 20 underwent renal ultrasound or enhanced CT scan after admission. The latter revealed renal abscess in all children; however, only 9 had renal abscess on renal ultrasound. Fourteen children underwent renal MRI at disease initiation. Nine children presented with congenital urinary tract (CAKUT). All patients were treated conservatively; intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics were administered for at least 14 days, while 11 were upgraded to meropenem or imipenem. After discharge, all patients were treated with oral antibiotics for at least 14 days. Except for 1 case of recurrence, patients had a good prognosis. Conclusion This study clarifies the clinical presentation of renal abscesses in pediatric patients, presenting advice on diagnosis and treatment.