Differential Diagnosis for Painless Increased Urinary Frequency in a 6-Month-Old
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This is a common cause of increased urinary frequency in infants, especially if they are not yet toilet trained. The painless nature could be due to the infant's inability to communicate discomfort effectively.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Diuretic Phase of Acute Kidney Injury: After an insult to the kidneys, there can be a phase where the kidneys increase urine production, leading to frequency.
- Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract: Issues like ureteropelvic junction obstruction or vesicoureteral reflux can cause urinary frequency due to abnormal urine flow.
- Diabetes Insipidus: Though less common, this condition can cause increased thirst and urination due to the body's inability to regulate fluids properly.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Posterior Urethral Valves: A congenital condition in males that can cause obstructive uropathy, leading to urinary retention or frequency, and is critical to diagnose early to prevent long-term kidney damage.
- Wilms Tumor: A type of kidney cancer that can cause a variety of symptoms including increased urinary frequency, though it's rare in infants.
- Neurogenic Bladder: Due to spinal cord issues or neurological problems, the bladder may not function correctly, leading to urinary frequency or incontinence.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Bartter Syndrome: A rare genetic disorder affecting the kidneys' ability to absorb potassium, leading to increased urine production.
- Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus: Similar to diabetes insipidus but the kidneys are unable to respond to antidiuretic hormone (ADH), leading to an inability to concentrate urine.
- Renal Tubular Acidosis: A group of rare disorders that affect the kidneys' ability to regulate acid levels, potentially leading to increased urinary frequency among other symptoms.