Background: Hematuria is defined by the presence of an increased number of red blood cells (RBCs) in the urine. It can be visible or apparent only on microscopic analysis of urine which many times is an incidental finding. The prevalence of microscopic hematuria is 4–5% in routine clinical practice in children of 6–12 years of age. The pediatrician is the first person who comes in contact with children having microscopic or gross hematuria. Updated knowledge of clinical patterns and their outcomes will help improve the management of children with hematuria.
Aim and Objective: The aim and objectives are to study the outcome of hematuria in children attending SAT Hospital, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram.
Materials and Methods: This is a prospective follow-up study of 100 children admitted with hematuria in our hospital whose ages were between 1 month and 12 years. A preformed and piloted questionnaire was used. Clinical history and examinations were done. Relevant investigations and follow-up assessments were done for 1 year. Biopsy was done for 35 patients by an experienced pediatric nephrologist.
Results: Among the 100 children presented with hematuria, 24 had prior renal disease whereas 76 children did not have any pre-existing renal disease. Both were followed up for 1 year. 80% (45) of those without prior renal involvement cleared of hematuria by 1 year and 20% had persistent renal impairment. In the other group with prior renal problems, 75% (15) showed persistent renal problems. School-going children (57%) were mostly affected with female preponderance (30%). The most common etiology was acute post-infectious glomerulonephritis (60%), and the next most common seems to be IgA nephropathy (23%) followed by SLE (17%)
Conclusion: Eighty percent of hematuria was found to be resolved completely after 1 year. The remaining 20% has to be carefully evaluated including renal biopsy when indicated. This will help the clinician to provide better care for sick babies with hematuria.
Key words: Hematuria; Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis; Renal biopsy
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