CKS is no longer commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE remains committed to providing a replacement service for CKS and is currently reviewing its options. In the meantime, although CKS content is now not being maintained, it still remains relevant and will continue to be made available. CKS content was generated under a programme of topic creation and update. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.
Urinary tract infection - children - Management
How should I determine the level of infection: lower UTI (cystitis) or upper UTI (acute pyelonephritis)?
- Make a working diagnosis of upper UTI (acute pyelonephritis) if there is:
- Fever of greater than 38°C (or history of fever) and bacteriuria, or
- Fever of less than 38°C (and no history of fever), loin tenderness, and bacteriuria.
- Otherwise, diagnose lower UTI (cystitis), which in older children usually presents with specific symptoms (frequency, dysuria, lower abdominal pain).
In depth
© NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement