Hematuria in Pediatric Emergency

Hematuria is the presence of red blood cells in the urine. The presence of 10 or more RBCs per high-power field is abnormal. Urinary dipsticks are very sensitive and can be positive at less than five RBCs per high-power field. In the emergency department it is important in evaluating a child with hematuria to identify serious, treatable and

progressive conditions

.

Red or brown urine does not always indicate hematuria. The discoloration may be as a result of hemoglobinuria, myoglobinuria, some medications and some food. Urate crystals are commonly present in the urine of newborn babies. They can produce a red discoloration of the nappy (‘brick dust’ appearance), which is sometimes mistaken for blood. Blood in the urine can come from sources other than the urinary tract (e.g. vaginal hemorrhage, rectal fissure).

Causes of hematuria

Common causes for microscopic hematuria include an association with viral infections, UTIs, trauma and Henoch-Schönlein purpura. Common causes for macroscopic hematuria include the above, but macroscopic hematuria is more likely to come from the bladder or urethra. Symptomless or ‘benign hematuria’ can occur frequently in children without growth failure, hypertension, edema, proteinuria, urinary casts or renal impairment.

Investigations

The investigation and management of hematuria in Pediatric

Treatment

Many children with isolated microscopic hematuria require no immediate investigation and simply need to be checked to see if the problem persists. This should be arranged with the general practitioner or through outpatient clinic if the family do not have a GP. In the setting of an acute febrile illness, exclude UTI by urine culture and arrange for the urine to be tested again after the acute illness has passed.