URINARY TRACT INFECTION IN YOUNG UNCIRCUMCISED INFANTS

Circumcision is the commonest surgical procedure carried out on children. Neonatal circumcision rates vary widely between different cultures, with rates as high as 64% in North America, between 10% and 20% in Australia, and far lower rates in Europe and Asia. It is also undertaken on medical grounds with benefits thought to include improved hygiene, a reduced incidence of urinary tract infection (UTI), sexually transmitted diseases, penile cancer, and phimosis, and a reduction in the incidence of human papilloma virus related cervical cancer in female sexual partners.

Objective: To determine the frequency of urinary tract infection (UTI) in uncircumcised infants.

Study Settings: Pediatric Ward, Emergency and OPD, Allied Hospital, Faisalabad

Study Design: Descriptive cross sectional study

Duration Of Study: Six months after the approval of synopsis

Methodology: After the approval to carry out this study from Ethical Review Committee, all male uncircumcised subjects meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study. Written informed consent was taken from the patients. Data regarding the disease, presenting complaints and other relevant data according to questionnaire were collected after complete examination of the child. Age, weight, temperature, history of previous UTI, dysuria, and colour and urine was noted. Urine sample was collected in a sterile container with the help of the parents and sent to the lab for complete examination and culture. Relevant baseline investigation was also sent to the laboratory for examination. Results of the urine complete examination and urine culture were also noted.

Results:  In this trial, mean age was calculated as 6.81+2.44 months, mean temperature and weight of the infants was recorded as 99.26+1.06F and 7.06+1.85 kgs respectively. Frequency of history of dysuria was recorded in 30%(n=30), frequency of previous history of UTI was recorded in 13%(n=13), frequency of UTI was recorded in 25%(n=25).

Conclusion: We concluded that the frequency of urinary tract infection (UTI) is higher in uncircumcised infants, however, timely circumcision may reduce the risk of UTI. The current data is primary in our population which needs authentication through some other trials.

Keywords: Infants, circumcision, urinary tract infection (UTI)