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Urinary tract infection

I understand that you are worried, not only about the infection itself, but also about the planned tests. In your baby's case, any U.T.I. will need to be fully investigated because there's a risk that one or other kidney could be affected.

Urinary infection in infancy may be a sign that there is an underlying abnormality of the renal tract (a medical term to describe the whole urinary system including kidneys, ureters and bladder).

The most commonly abnormality found, is vesico-ureteric reflux, which means that urine from the bladder shoots backwards up the ureter towards the kidney. This has been found in up to 40% of children being investigated for urine infection. This abnormality increases the risk of serious kidney infection (pyelonephritis) and also of scarring of the kidneys.

In other words, at this stage it's vital to rule out any structural abnormalities that could lead to 'chronic' problems, including permanent damage and kidney function failure. If the abnormalities are detected early, they can possibly be corrected, or other measures taken (such as taking preventative antibiotics) to reduce the risk of long-term kidney problems.

The tests are modern, up-to-date and your baby may not need to have all of them ? the MCUG (micturating cysto-urethrography) may only be necessary if the other tests have not given conclusive results.

I do hope these 'strange sounding' tests have been explained to you. The DMSA ? is a dynamic scan which uses very low levels of radiation to assess the activity within the kidneys, and the benefits far outweigh any risk to health.

These sophisticated tests are the only ones which will yield all the necessary information to determine whether your baby is at risk of further infections or needs any additional treatment.