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Differential Diagnosis for 11-month-old Female with Fever, Vomiting, and Urine Abnormalities

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): The presence of fever, vomiting, and urine abnormalities (1+ blood, 2+ ketones, and 1+ protein) in an 11-month-old female is highly suggestive of a UTI. The symptoms and signs, including the laboratory findings, are consistent with a lower urinary tract infection, which is common in this age group.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Dehydration: Vomiting can lead to dehydration, which may cause a concentration of the urine, potentially leading to the presence of ketones and protein. The fever could be due to a viral gastroenteritis or another viral infection.
  • Gastroenteritis with Secondary UTI: It's possible that the primary issue is gastroenteritis (leading to vomiting and fever), with a secondary UTI or contamination of the urine sample.
  • Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): Although less common in this age group without a known history of diabetes, DKA can present with vomiting, fever, ketones in the urine, and potentially proteinuria due to the severe metabolic derangement.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Pyelonephritis: An upper urinary tract infection that can present similarly to a lower UTI but may have more severe consequences if not promptly treated, including potential for sepsis and renal scarring.
  • Sepsis: Any infection that leads to systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria being met, which can be life-threatening if not recognized and treated promptly.
  • Meningitis: Although the symptoms do not directly point towards meningitis, in infants and young children, the presentation of serious infections can be non-specific, and meningitis is a condition that would be catastrophic if missed.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Tubulointerstitial Nephritis: An inflammation of the tubules and interstitial tissue of the kidneys, which could present with fever, proteinuria, and hematuria, but is less common in this age group.
  • Nephrotic Syndrome: Characterized by significant proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and edema. While it's a possibility, the acute presentation with fever and vomiting is less typical for nephrotic syndrome.
  • Congenital Abnormalities of the Urinary Tract: Certain congenital abnormalities could predispose to UTIs or present with similar symptoms, but these would typically be identified earlier in life or have other associated findings.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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