How well do general practitioners manage urinary problems in children? South Bedfordshire Practitioners' Group.

Abstract

Thirteen general practitioners examined the notes of 1072 patients born in 1974 for evidence of enuresis, suspected urinary tract infection, and renal tract imaging. Of these children 63 (5.9%) had presented with enuresis -6.7% of the boys and 5.0% of the girls. Of the 63 children 65.1% had had midstream urinalysis. One hundred and ninety five children (18.2%, 64 boys and 131 girls) had experienced 303 episodes of possible urinary infections. Midstream urine samples were obtained in 80.2% of episodes and 17.7% of samples were positive. Ten boys (1.9% of the total) and 28 girls (5.2%) had proven infections. Only 14 of these 38 children (36.8%) had undergone renal tract imaging, 30.9% of the boys and 39.3% of the girls. All imaging was normal except in the case of one girl whose micturating cystourethrogram showed reflux. Fifteen other children were investigated; two further abnormalities were detected, one renal scar with reflux and one duplex system. This study demonstrates deficiencies in the investigation and follow up of children with urinary problems by general practitioners. Possible means of improvement are discussed.