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Differential Diagnosis for Blood in the Urine in a 7-Year-Old

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This is a common condition in children that can cause hematuria (blood in the urine). UTIs are more prevalent in girls due to their shorter urethra, which facilitates bacterial entry into the bladder.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Kidney Stones: Although less common in children than in adults, kidney stones can cause severe pain and hematuria. The incidence is increasing in the pediatric population.
  • Glomerulonephritis: This is an inflammation of the glomeruli, the filtering units of the kidneys. It can be post-infectious (following a streptococcal infection, for example) and is a common cause of hematuria in children.
  • Trauma: Accidental injuries can cause hematuria, especially if the kidneys or urinary tract are involved.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Wilms Tumor: A type of kidney cancer that can present with hematuria, abdominal mass, or hypertension. It's crucial to diagnose early due to its potential for cure with treatment.
  • Sickle Cell Disease or Sickle Cell Trait: These conditions can lead to hematuria due to sickling in the kidney. While not all children with sickle cell disease will have hematuria, it's a critical diagnosis to consider due to its implications for management and potential complications.
  • Alport Syndrome: A genetic disorder characterized by hematuria, progressive kidney disease, and hearing loss. Early diagnosis is essential for managing the condition and its complications.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Nephrocalcinosis: A condition characterized by the deposition of calcium salts in the renal tissue, which can lead to hematuria. It's often associated with other metabolic disorders.
  • Vasculitis (e.g., Henoch-Schönlein Purpura): A condition that involves inflammation of the blood vessels and can present with hematuria, among other symptoms like purpura and joint pain.
  • Tubulointerstitial Nephritis: Inflammation of the tubules and interstitial tissue of the kidneys, which can be caused by drugs, infections, or systemic diseases, and may present with hematuria.

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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