As most of you are well aware, Anna-Grace has been suffering from repeated UTI's and bladder infections. Her last one being the worst one yet (in terms of causing her pain). We took her back to the doctor yesterday and they just called me this morning to let me know her culture came back negative, so we have cleared out the infection. They are putting her on a 30 day supply of anit-biotics so the infection does not return before her appt at the hospital which they informed me would be the Monday after we return from our vacation.
She has to be there at 8am and will have 2 seperate tests run the 1st will be a Renal Ultrasound (see description below)to see if they can see any form of blockage in her kidneys.
Ultrasonography is the first imaging test used in evaluation of an infant with a urinary tract infection or as postnatal follow-up to known prenatal hydronephrosis. A renal ultrasound is a non-invasive test in which a transducer is passed over the kidney producing sound waves which bounce off the kidney, transmitting a picture of the organ on a video screen. The test is used to determine the size and shape of the kidney, and to detect a mass, kidney stone, cyst, or other obstruction or abnormalities. The kidneys, ureters, and bladder should all be surveyed.
The second test will be a VCUG (again see description below) and that will be done immediatley following the renal ultrasound.
Most children with urinary tract infections, especially if they are younger than five years old will need some testing done to make sure that they do not have urinary reflux, or vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). This is a condition that causes urine to move backwards from the bladder, through one or both of the ureters, and up to the kidneys. It is especially important to test children under 2-5 years old with a UTI and older children that have more than one infection. Up to 50% of children with a UTI may have reflux on further testing.
Vesicoureteral reflux can either be primary, due to an intrinsic anatomic deformity of the ureterovesical junction (where the ureter enters the bladder), which is usually congenital and eventually resolves spontaneously in most cases. Vesicoureteral reflux can also be secondary to other abnormalities, such as posterior urethral valves or neurogenic bladder or other causes of bladder outlet obstruction.
Children with antenatal hydonephrosis, usually diagnosed on a prenatal ultrasound, are also at risk for vesicoureteral reflux.
The tests that are done include a sonogram (ultrasound) of the kidneys (to look for hydronephrosis) and another test called a VCUG (voiding cysto-urethrogram) that involves placing a catheter in to the bladder and then injecting a dye. X-rays are then taken to see if the dye moves up towards the kidney.
I am a little worried about how she will do with the catheter, but she's such a trooper I am sure she will be fine. I will be sure to keep you updated :-)
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