From the Guidelines
A bladder volume of 76ml on a bladder scanner for a 20-month-old child is generally within normal limits and typically not concerning. For toddlers around this age, the bladder capacity can range from 60-120ml, so 76ml falls within the expected range 1. No specific intervention is needed if the child is urinating regularly without signs of discomfort. However, it's essential to monitor for any symptoms of urinary tract issues such as crying during urination, unusual frequency, foul-smelling urine, fever, or changes in urination patterns.
Some key points to consider in the management of urinary tract infections in children, as outlined in recent guidelines 1, include:
- The use of ultrasonography to detect anatomic abnormalities
- The role of voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) in evaluating for vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)
- The importance of maintaining adequate hydration and monitoring for symptoms of urinary tract issues
Adequate hydration should be maintained, offering water regularly throughout the day. If the child shows signs of urinary retention (not urinating for prolonged periods), urinary tract infection, or discomfort, medical evaluation would be warranted 1. The bladder naturally fills and empties throughout the day, and this measurement simply represents a single point in time in this normal physiological process.
In terms of imaging, ultrasonography of the kidneys and bladder is usually the appropriate imaging study for children presenting with a first episode of febrile UTI with appropriate response to medical management 1. Fluoroscopic VCUG or nuclear medicine cystography may be appropriate to evaluate for VUR in certain cases. However, for a 20-month-old child with a bladder volume of 76ml, no immediate imaging is required unless there are symptoms of urinary tract issues or other concerning signs.
From the Research
Bladder Scanner Results for a 20-Month-Old
- The result of 76ml on a bladder scanner for a 20-month-old child is provided, but there is limited direct information in the given studies to interpret this result in the context of normal or abnormal bladder function for a child of this age.
- However, a study from 1988 2 discusses urodynamic examination in infants and children, including the assessment of bladder capacity. It suggests that normal bladder capacity can be estimated by the formula: Bladder capacity in ml = 30 + (age in years x 30). For a 20-month-old, this would translate to approximately 90 ml (since 20 months is roughly 1.67 years), but this calculation is not directly applicable as the formula is intended for yearly increments.
Normal Bladder Capacity and Urinary Flow Rates
- The same study from 1988 2 mentions that most urodynamic variables are age-dependent and provides insights into normal maximum urinary flow rates during micturition. However, it does not directly address the interpretation of bladder scanner results in terms of volume for a child of this specific age.
- Another relevant study from 1995 3 focuses on maximum and average urine flow rates in normal children, providing nomograms based on body surface area. While this study offers valuable information on urinary flow rates, it does not directly relate to the interpretation of a single bladder scanner measurement.
Clinical Context and Urinary Tract Infections
- Other studies provided 4, 5, 6 discuss the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs) with various antibiotics, including amoxicillin-clavulanate, but do not offer direct guidance on interpreting bladder scanner results in the context of UTIs or normal bladder function in children.
Conclusion on Available Evidence
- There are no research papers directly assisting in answering the question about the specific bladder scanner result of 76ml for a 20-month-old child in the provided evidence. The interpretation of such a result would typically require consultation of pediatric urology guidelines or studies specifically focused on bladder capacity and function in young children.