Differential Diagnosis for Brown Urine in a Toddler
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Dehydration: This is the most common cause of brown urine in toddlers, as it can cause a decrease in urine output and a concentration of waste products, leading to a change in urine color.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): A UTI can cause changes in urine color, including brown or tea-colored urine, due to the presence of blood or pus.
- Kidney Stones: Although less common in toddlers, kidney stones can cause brown or bloody urine.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS): This is a life-threatening condition that can cause brown urine due to the presence of blood and protein in the urine.
- Sickle Cell Disease: This genetic disorder can cause episodes of hemolysis, leading to brown or tea-colored urine.
- Acute Kidney Injury: Any condition that causes a sudden decrease in kidney function can lead to changes in urine color, including brown urine.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Alport Syndrome: A rare genetic disorder that affects the kidneys and can cause changes in urine color, including brown or tea-colored urine.
- Cystinuria: A rare genetic disorder that affects the kidneys and can cause the formation of cystine stones, leading to brown or bloody urine.
- Porphyria: A group of rare genetic disorders that can cause changes in urine color, including brown or tea-colored urine, due to the accumulation of porphyrins.