CURRENT LANDSCAPE OF URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN PEDIATRICS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Objective: To critically analyze the available scientific production on urinary tract infections in the pediatric population, with emphasis on diagnostic methods and therapeutic approaches currently employed in clinical practice. Methodology: This is a systematic literature review, conducted based on a structured guiding question: "What are the main characteristics associated with urinary tract infection in children and what diagnostic and therapeutic methods are currently used in its clinical management?". The search was conducted in the PubMed database, using descriptors combined by the Boolean operator "AND". Initially, 345 studies were identified, of which 34 were selected for full-text reading after applying the eligibility criteria. At the end of the screening process, 13 articles comprised the final sample of this review. Results: Urinary tract infections in childhood have high clinical relevance, characterized by epidemiological variability and etiological diversity. It was observed that early diagnosis, associated with adequate collection and interpretation of laboratory tests, is crucial for effective management. Antibiotic therapy remains a cornerstone of treatment and should be guided by local patterns of antimicrobial resistance. Continuous antibiotic prophylaxis has shown benefit in selected groups, especially in patients with structural anomalies of the urinary tract, although its use should be judicious. Conclusion: Preventive strategies, including hygiene measures and rational use of antimicrobials, play a fundamental role in reducing the incidence and recurrence of UTIs. An integrated approach, based on the identification of risk factors and the individualization of treatment, is essential to minimize long-term complications and optimize clinical outcomes in the pediatric population.