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European Association of UrologyPediatric Urology2026intermediate

Update and summary of the EAU/ESPU paediatric guidelines on urinary tract infection in children.

Published by European Association of Urology (EAU) and the European Society for Paediatric Urology (ESPU)

Summary

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This clinical summary outlines the 2025 EAU/ESPU guideline updates on pediatric urinary tract infections (UTIs). It details diagnostic classifications, urine collection and urinalysis methods, recommendations for renal and bladder ultrasound, targeted antimicrobial selection based on local sensitivity, and various methods for preventing UTI recurrence.

urinary tract infectionchildrenpediatric urologyEAUESPUguidelinesrecommendationsantimicrobial therapy

Key Takeaways

  • 1
    Urinary tract infections (UTIs) represent the most common bacterial infections in children.
  • 2
    Escherichia Coli (E. Coli) remains the leading causative organism, though other bacteria and multi-drug resistant strains are increasing in prevalence.
  • 3
    Microscopic urinalysis is recommended following a positive dipstick test.
  • 4
    A renal and bladder ultrasound is generally recommended after an initial febrile UTI, with additional investigations tailored based on patient and infection characteristics.
  • 5
    Cornerstone of management is prompt, targeted antimicrobial therapy matched to local sensitivity patterns and adjusted according to sensitivity testing.
  • 6
    Recurrence prevention strategies include chemoprophylaxis, non-antibiotic prophylaxis, and treating underlying conditions like phimosis, bladder-bowel dysfunction, and lower urinary tract dysfunction.

What's New in This Version

The 2025 guidelines update compiles and integrates evidence from a structured literature review covering publications from the previous 2021 update up to February 20, 2024.

Key Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • 1

    Microscopic urinalysis is recommended after a positive dipstick test.

    Diagnostic

Diagnostic evaluation

  • 2

    A renal and bladder ultrasound is generally recommended after an initial febrile UTI.

    Diagnostic imaging

Management

  • 3

    The cornerstone of UTI management is prompt antimicrobial therapy, with the administration route chosen based on several variables.

    Therapeutic
  • 4

    The antimicrobial agent should be chosen based on local antimicrobial sensitivity patterns, and adjusted according to sensitivity-testing.

    Therapeutic

Prevention

  • 5

    Interventions can be considered to prevent UTI recurrence including chemoprophylaxis, non-antibiotic prophylaxis, and treatment of phimosis, bladder-bowel dysfunction and lower urinary tract dysfunction.

    Prevention

Scope & Objectives

Clinical Topic

Urinary tract infection in children

Objectives

To provide a practical approach for both diagnosis and management of urinary tract infections (UTI) and highlight the 2025 update of the EAU/ESPU Guidelines on UTI in children.

Target Patient Population

Children

Diagnostic Criteria

Urinalysis is conducted on urine samples collected via bag, clean catch, catheterization, or suprapubic aspiration using dipstick, microscopy, or flow imaging. Microscopic urinalysis is recommended after a positive dipstick. For further investigation, a renal and bladder ultrasound is recommended after an initial febrile UTI, with additional tests guided by patient and infection characteristics.

Patient Criteria & Setting

Therapeutic Area

Urology

Guideline Scope

DiagnosisManagementPrevention

Special Populations

Children

Safety & Contraindications

Monitoring Guidance

Additional investigations beyond the standard renal and bladder ultrasound should be considered based on the individual patient and infection characteristics.

Authors & Contributors

Department of Paediatric UrologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' GrandaOspedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilanItaly

Guideline Features

Flowcharts includedBased on systematic review

Learning Context

Difficulty

intermediate

Learning Paths

Pediatric UrologyUrinary Tract InfectionAntimicrobial StewardshipClinical Guidelines