From the Guidelines
If a toddler's urine test shows sediment, it's essential to consult a pediatrician to determine the cause, as urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common cause of sediment in toddler urine, affecting approximately 2% of children assigned male at birth and 8% of children assigned female at birth by 7 years of age 1. Possible causes of sediment in toddler urine include:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can be further divided into cystitis and pyelonephritis, with cystitis typically presenting with localized symptoms of frequency, urgency, and dysuria, and pyelonephritis presenting with systemic symptoms such as high fever, malaise, vomiting, abdominal or flank pain, and tenderness 1
- Kidney stones, which can cause severe pain and other symptoms
- Kidney problems, such as vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), which can increase the risk of UTIs and renal scarring
To investigate the cause, the pediatrician may recommend a urinalysis, which includes a urine culture to check for infection, and possibly imaging tests such as an ultrasound 1.
In the meantime, ensure the toddler stays hydrated by drinking plenty of water. If the pediatrician suspects a UTI, they may prescribe an antibiotic such as amoxicillin or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, with the specific dose and duration depending on the child's age, weight, and the severity of the infection 1.
It's crucial to follow the pediatrician's advice and complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if the symptoms improve before finishing the medication. If the sediment is caused by a kidney stone, the pediatrician may recommend increasing fluid intake and, in some cases, medication such as acetaminophen to help manage pain.
In any case, it's vital to monitor the toddler's symptoms and report any changes or concerns to the pediatrician promptly, as UTIs can have serious long-term consequences, including renal scarring and chronic renal failure 1.
From the Research
Causes of Urinary Sediment in Toddlers
The causes of urinary sediment in toddlers can be attributed to various factors, including:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) 2, 3, 4
- Kidney diseases, such as glomerulonephritis 4
- Hematuria, which can be either glomerular or non-glomerular erythrocyturia 4
- Proteinuria, which can be orthostatic or combined with hematuria 4
- Infections, such as polyomavirus BK reactivation 5
- Medications, such as indinavir, amoxycillin, and acyclovir, which can cause leukocyturia or crystalluria 5
Diagnostic Methods
To diagnose the causes of urinary sediment in toddlers, various methods can be used, including: