Guest guest Posted August 6, 2003 Report Share Posted August 6, 2003 Hematuria Author: Deogracias Pena, MD, Medical Director of Dialysis, Cook Children's Medical Center; Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Tech University School of Medicine Deogracias Pena, MD, is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Association, and American Society of Pediatric Nephrology Editor(s): Neiberger, MD, PhD, Director of Pediatric Renal Stone Disease Clinic, Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida and Shands Hospital; Konop, PharmD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacy, Section of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota; Spitzer, MD, Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine; Director of NIH Training Program, Children's Hospital at Montefiore Medical Center; Trachtman, MD, Program Director, Pediatrics Research, Schneider Children's Hospital, Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nephrology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine; and Craig B Langman, MD, Head, Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Children's Memorial Hospital of Chicago; Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University School of Medicine Background: Hematuria is one of the most common urinary findings that bring children to the attention of the pediatric nephrologist. Generally, hematuria is defined as the presence of 5 or more red blood cells (RBCs) per high-power field in 3 of 3 consecutive centrifuged specimens obtained at least 1 week apart. In the office setting, a positive reaction on the urine dipstick test is usually the first indication of the presence of hematuria. Hematuria can be gross (ie, the urine is overtly bloody, smoky, or tea colored) or microscopic. It may be symptomatic or asymptomatic, transient or persistent, and either isolated or associated with proteinuria and other urinary abnormalities. Pathophysiology: The etiology and pathophysiology of hematuria are varied. For instance, hematuria of glomerular origin may be the result of a structural disruption in the integrity of glomerular basement membrane caused by inflammatory or immunologic processes. Chemicals may cause toxic disruptions of the renal tubules, while calculi may cause mechanical erosion of mucosal surfaces in the genitourinary tract, resulting in hematuria. History: The first step in the evaluation of hematuria is a detailed review of the history and a thorough physical examination. A history of fever, abdominal pain, dysuria, frequency, and recent enuresis in older children may point to a urinary tract infection as the cause of hematuria. A history of recent trauma to the abdomen may be indicative of hydronephrosis. A history of a recent throat or skin infection may suggest the diagnosis of postinfectious glomerulonephritis. Information regarding exercise, menstruation, recent bladder catheterization, intake of certain drugs or toxic substances, or passage of a calculus also may assist in the differential diagnosis. Because certain diseases presenting with hematuria are inherited or familial, it is important to ask for a family history suggestive of Alport syndrome, collagen vascular diseases, urolithiasis, or polycystic kidney disease. Causes: Hematuria can be of glomerular or nonglomerular origin. Brown-colored urine, RBC casts, and dysmorphic (small deformed, misshapen, sometimes fragmented) RBCs and proteinuria are suggestive of glomerular hematuria. Reddish or pink urine, passage of blood clots, and eumorphic (normal sized, biconcavely shaped) erythrocytes are suggestive of a nonglomerular bleeding site. Potential causes of hematuria in children include the following: Glomerular hematuria Thin basement membrane disease (benign familial hematuria) Alport syndrome IgA nephropathy Hemolytic uremic syndrome Postinfectious glomerulonephritis Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis Lupus nephritis Anaphylactoid purpura (Henoch-Schönlein purpura) Nonglomerular hematuria Fever Strenuous exercise Mechanical trauma (masturbation) Menstruation Foreign bodies Urinary tract infection Hypercalciuria/urolithiasis Sickle cell disease/trait Coagulopathy Tumors Drugs/toxins Anatomic abnormalities (hydronephrosis, polycystic kidney disease, vascular malformations) Acute Poststreptococcal Glomerulonephritis Alport Syndrome Appendicitis Bladder Anomalies Escherichia Coli Infections Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome IgA Nephropathy Pyelonephritis Renal Cortical Necrosis Sickle Cell Anemia Tuberculosis Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction Urinary Tract Infection Urolithiasis Wilms Tumor The following are short descriptions of the more common conditions associated with hematuria in children: Hypercalciuria Approximately 30% of children with isolated hematuria may have elevated urinary calcium levels. Hematuria can be either gross or microscopic, and may or may not be associated with dysuria. A history of " sandy urine " or actual passage of calculi is sometimes elicited. A spot urine calcium-to-creatinine ratio of more than 0.2 is considered abnormal. It should be remembered that the ratio varies with age, being on average 0.86 in infants younger than 7 months, 0.6 in children aged 7-18 months, and 0.42 in children aged 19 months to 6 years. A 24-hour urine collection is recommended if the ratio is high. An excretion rate of more than 4 mg/kg/d is considered abnormal. Therapy consists of reduction in calcium intake (when excessive) to amounts consistent with the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for age and/or prescription of thiazide diuretics. IgA nephropathy IgA nephropathy (ie, Berger nephropathy) is currently the most common cause of chronic glomerulonephritis in the world. It usually presents with painless intermittent gross hematuria, followed by persistent microscopic hematuria. Colicky abdominal or loin pain may occur in some patients who develop clots in the genitourinary tract. The episode of gross hematuria often is preceded by an upper respiratory infection. Depending on the severity of the disease, hypertension, proteinuria, and elevation of serum creatinine may ensue. In some cases IgA nephropathy may present with only microscopic hematuria, asymptomatic microscopic hematuria and proteinuria, acute nephritic syndrome, nephrotic syndrome, or a mixed nephritis-nephrotic syndrome. The disease appears to be less common in black individuals. A slight male preponderance exists. Progression to chronic renal failure and end-stage renal disease has been reported to occur in 20-50% of patients, usually 10 or more years from diagnosis. The serum IgA level is elevated in 30-40% of patients, but it is not sufficient to establish the diagnosis. A kidney biopsy with the characteristic deposition of IgA in the glomerular mesangium is diagnostic. No effective treatment strategy exists, although prednisone, fish oils, azathioprine, danazol, dipyridamole, and antioxidants (eg, vitamin E) have been used with inconclusive results. Henoch-Schönlein purpura Some authors believe that Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP, anaphylactoid purpura) shares a similar pathophysiology with IgA nephropathy. However, prominent vasculitis and purpura are present only in HSP. The peak incidence is approximately age 4-5 years. A slight male preponderance is observed. Its onset is preceded by an upper respiratory infection in at least 30% of patients. Purpuric palpable rash is seen predominantly on the posterior aspects of the body and lower extremities. Abdominal pain, joint pain, and swelling are often present. Urinalysis usually reveals microscopic hematuria and sometimes proteinuria. Hematuria is likely related to deposition of IgA immune complexes and associated inflammatory processes in the glomerular mesangium. Measurements of complement 3 (C3) and antinuclear antibodies (ANA) levels may be needed to rule out systemic lupus erythematosus. The disease is usually self-limited and requires no treatment. In children with nephritic and/or nephrotic syndrome, it may be necessary to give antihypertensives to control hypertension, diuretics to relieve excessive fluid retention, and corticosteroids to relieve the inflammation of the joints and the intensity of the purpuric rash. Some cases of HSP, particularly those that present with nephritis and/or nephrotic syndrome, may progress to chronic renal failure. Hemolytic uremic syndrome The hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a common cause of acute renal failure in children. The classic description is of a child that develops a thrombocytopenic microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and renal failure after a preceding bout (1-15 d) of often bloody gastroenteritis. Gross hematuria may be observed in some cases, but the more usual finding is microscopic hematuria. HUS generally is classified into the more common diarrhea-associated HUS (D+ HUS) and the atypical (D- HUS). D+ HUS is caused by shiga toxin produced by Escherichia coli O157:H7. It is rare in blacks and has a female preponderance. The disease occurs mostly during the summer and the autumn seasons. Although ingestion of undercooked contaminated ground beef products is the most common source of infection, cases have been reported after the ingestion of raw milk, fruits, and vegetables in contact with manure. Infection has also been reported after swimming in pools or lakes and after exposure to the pathogen in nursing homes and day care centers. The disease process begins when Shiga toxin is absorbed through damaged colonic mucosa and binds to glycophospholipid globotriaosyl ceramide (Gb3) receptors in vascular endothelial cells. These are internalized by endocytosis, and inactivation of 28S ribosomal subunits, inhibition of protein synthesis, and cell death results. In addition, lipopolysaccharides (released by verotoxin-producing E coli) also are absorbed, resulting in the release of inflammatory mediators. The end result is cell death, increased procoagulant activity, thrombocytopenia, renal vascular microthrombi formation, and the characteristic picture of HUS. Although involvement of the gastrointestinal tract, kidney, and the hematologic system are commonly observed, involvement of other organs such as the liver, pancreas, gall bladder, lungs, and the central nervous system have frequently been reported. Treatment is mainly supportive. Meticulous care of electrolyte abnormalities, hypertension, and, if necessary, dialysis has resulted in a dramatic decrease in mortality rates-from 40% in the decades when it was first described to the 5-10% seen today. Postinfectious glomerulonephritis This is probably the most common cause of gross hematuria in children. Although the disease often is precipitated by various pathogens (viral or bacterial), an antecedent infection (1-4 wk) with a nephritogenic strain of group A beta-hemolytic streptococci is often the culprit. The child frequently has a history of a recent pharyngitis or skin infection 1- 2 weeks before the onset of symptoms. Streptococcal pharyngitis is more common in the winter and early spring and seen mostly in children aged 5-15 years. On the other hand, skin infections (pyoderma) frequently occur in younger children in the summer and fall. Gross hematuria is seen in 25-33% of cases and may range from light pink to a dark " tea " color. Eighty-five percent of patients may develop edema. Hypertension and oliguria are common. RBCs (most are small and dysmorphic) and RBC casts are common in the urine. A fresh urine sample should be used for this purpose. Proteinuria also may be noted but is usually not in the nephrotic range. Elevation of antistreptolysin (ASO) serum levels (80% of untreated patients) and depressed C3 levels are helpful in providing evidence of an antecedent streptococcal infection. Since ASO may not be detected in pyoderma because the antibody can be bound to lipids in the skin, anti-DNAse B may be more helpful in establishing a diagnosis in these cases. Serial measurements (at least 1 wk apart) of these serologic markers may lend support to the assumption that a prior streptococcal infection is t emporally related to the nephritis. Treatment is mainly supportive. Strict fluid and salt restriction should be observed because the main problems encountered are often caused by fluid retention. Diuresis with loop diuretics is indicated to alleviate volume expansion. Vasodilators, calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors may be indicated in the management of hypertension. The C3 levels typically normalize in 68 weeks. Gross hematuria quickly disappears, but microscopic hematuria may persist for years. Most investigators agree that the great majority of children with PSGN heal without any residual damage. A kidney biopsy is not needed unless a disease other than PSGN is suspected, the child presents with nephrotic syndrome and nephritis, or the child does not recover promptly. Systemic lupus erythematosus Approximately two thirds of children with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have renal involvement. Various combinations of gross hematuria and proteinuria (sometimes in the nephrotic range) and hypertension are found. However, the degree of hematuria does not necessarily directly correlate with the severity of the renal lesions. The incidence of SLE is 0.6 per 100,000 children and adolescents, with a higher frequency among persons of African, Hispanic, or Asian descent. While more common in girls, the female predominance is not as pronounced in children as in adults. No exact pathogenic mechanism explains the manifestations of SLE. However, it is generally accepted that environmental stimuli interacting with certain genetic determinants or acquired immune defects result in a polyclonal B cell immune response, with a variety of antibodies being deposited in target tissues, such as the kidney and other organs. Various serologic and hematologic abnormalities are noted and may include anemia, thrombocytopenia, decreased serum complement levels, elevated ANA levels and anti-double stranded DNA levels. The degree of renal involvement should be determined histologically. The currently accepted classification is based on the World Health Organization (WHO) system and some modification using the International Study of Kidney Disease in Children (ISKDC) subclassification. Findings may range from mild glomerulitis to diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis. Treatment and prognosis of the renal disease depends on the histologic classification. The drug therapy chosen depends on the severity of the disease and my include steroids, alkylating agents (cyclophosphamide), antimalarials, calcineurin inhibitors, and, recently, mycophenolate mofetil. Lab Studies: Urinalysis/urine culture The urine dipstick test is currently one of the most useful and sensitive tools in detecting hematuria. This test is based on the peroxidase activity of hemoglobin. It can detect trace amounts of hemoglobin (rather than the presence of RBCs) and myoglobin. False-positive results can occur (certain dyes or drugs, beets, oxalates). A microscopic analysis of the urine should follow a positive dipstick test. A freshly voided urine specimen should be used for this purpose. A 10- to 15-mL aliquot of the urine is spun in a centrifuge at 1500 rpm for about 5 minutes. The supernatant is decanted and the sediment is resuspended in the remaining liquid. Careful examination of the urine sample then is conducted under high-power magnification. All noncellular and cellular elements seen should be noted and recorded. The presence of more than 5 RBCs per high-powered field generally is considered abnormal. The detection of RBC casts is indicative of a glomerulotubular source of hematuria. The absence of RBCs and RBC casts despite a positive dipstick test is suggestive of hemoglobinuria or myoglobinuria. Other cellular elements in the urinary sediment (eg, WBCs, WBC casts) suggest a diagnosis of urinary tract infection. In this latter instance, a urine culture must be performed to determine the causative organism. Crystals, bacteria, protozoa, and other elements also may be seen. Phase contrast microscopy: A careful examination of the urine for the presence of a significant number of dysmorphic RBCs suggests a renal (glomerular) source of the hematuria. A urine sample that predominantly contains eumorphic RBCs suggests an extrarenal (nonglomerular) source. This test has been reported to have a sensitivity of 83-95% and a specificity of 81-95%. The sensitivity and specificity may vary from one examiner to another. Blood urea nitrogen/serum creatinine: Elevated levels of BUN and creatinine suggest significant renal disease as the cause of hematuria. Hematologic and coagulation studies: Complete blood counts (CBC) and sometimes platelet counts may be performed in selected patients with a clear history of a bleeding disorder. In general, coagulation studies and CBCs often do not add additional information in the evaluation of hematuria. In certain populations, a sickle cell preparation or a hemoglobin electrophoresis may be useful in establishing the diagnosis of sickle cell disease or trait. Urine calcium: Hypercalciuria is a relatively common finding in children. Measurement of the urine calcium excretion using either a timed 24-hour urine collection for calcium or a spot urine calcium-creatinine ratio can be helpful in establishing hypercalciuria as a cause of hematuria. A calcium excretion of more than 4 mg/kg/d or a urine calcium-creatinine ratio of more than 0.21 are considered abnormal. Serologic testing: A high ASO titer suggests a recent streptococcal infection. Anti-DNase B levels also are indicative of a recent group B streptococcal infection and may be positive even when the ASO level is normal. This latter statement is relevant in poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis secondary to a skin infection. ANA titers, complement levels, and double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) are most helpful in children with suspected systemic lupus erythematosus nephritis or membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. The laboratory tests ordered for the evaluation of hematuria must be based on the clinical history and the physical examination. The physician should avoid automatically requesting tests that may be unnecessary. Imaging Studies: Renal and bladder sonography: Urinary tract anomalies, such as hydronephrosis, hydroureter, nephrocalcinosis, and urolithiasis are detected readily by sonography. Compared to other imaging studies, sonography is rapid, noninvasive, readily available, and devoid of exposure to radiation. In individuals with severe obesity, a more accurate definition of renal structures and surrounding organs can only be achieved with computerized tomography (CT). Other imaging studies: A spiral CT scan is particularly useful in the detection of urolithiasis. Voiding cystourethrograms are valuable in detecting urethral and bladder abnormalities that may result in hematuria (eg, cystitis). Radionuclide studies can be helpful in the evaluation of obstructing calculi. Intravenous urography rarely contributes additional information in the evaluation of hematuria and may unnecessarily expose the child to ionizing radiation. Procedures: Kidney biopsy A kidney biopsy rarely is indicated in the evaluation of isolated asymptomatic hematuria. Most studies reveal minimal histopathological abnormalities in such children. In a survey of pediatric nephrologists in North America, only 5% of responders indicated that they would perform a kidney biopsy on a child with asymptomatic hematuria. The main reasons for performing a biopsy in that survey were academic interest, parental pressure for a diagnosis, and concern for future economic impact on the child. On the other hand, the simultaneous presence of proteinuria, elevated serum creatinine, hypertension, a suspicious clinical history, or other imaging/laboratory abnormalities may justify a kidney biopsy. Thus, relative indications for performing a kidney biopsy in patients with hematuria are as follows: Significant proteinuria Abnormal renal function Recurrent persistent hematuria. Serologic abnormalities (abnormal complement, ANA, or dsDNA levels). Recurrent gross hematuria. A family history of end stage renal disease Histologic Findings: In most patients, a renal biopsy is either normal or reveals minor changes, such as thin glomerular basement membranes, focal glomerulonephritis, or mild mesangial hypercellularity. In a minority of patients, histologic findings, together with historical or serologic data, may point to specific conditions SLE: Mild glomerulitis, proliferative changes, immune complex deposition, crescents, immunoglobulin deposition Hematuria, proteinuria, hypertension, joint pains, rashes, etc Abnormal C3, C4, ANA, dsDNA, anemia, thrombocytopenia, etc IgA nephropathy: IgA deposition in the mesangium, glomerular sclerosis, proliferative changes, crescents in severe cases Gross, intermittent, painless hematuria No specific changes, although increased serum IgA levels observed in some patients Henoch-Schönlein purpura: Same as IgA nephropathy Purpura, joint pains, abdominal pain, hematuria, etc No specific laboratory data Alport syndrome Some thinning of basement membranes, " basket weave " changes in the glomerular basement membrane on electron microscopy Sensorineural hearing loss, corneal abnormalities, hematuria, renal failure No specific changes Thin basement membrane disease Average glomerular basement membranes reported to be 100-200 nm in children in this condition Persistent microscopic or gross hematuria, significant family history No specific changes Mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis Glomerular lobulations, thickening of the mesangial matrix and glomerular basement membranes, crescents, etc Hematuria, proteinuria, hypertension C3 levels may be abnormal Approach to hematuria A comprehensive physical examination and a detailed history are indispensable to the evaluation of hematuria. A urinalysis should be obtained (as previously described), and a careful microscopic review of the sample should be undertaken. A positive dipstick reaction should be followed by a urine analysis to confirm the presence of RBCs and/or casts. The absence of erythrocytes suggests myoglobinuria or hemoglobinuria, while the absence of hemoglobin, red cells, or myoglobin should prompt a search for other causes of red urine. The next step in the differential diagnosis is localization of the bleeding. The presence of red cell casts and preponderance of dysmorphic cells on phase contrast microscopy are consistent with glomerular bleeding. Other urine characteristics that help in distinguishing between glomerular and nonglomerular hematuria are discussed in Phase contrast microscopy. A urine culture should be obtained. Significant bacterial growth, indicative of urinary tract infection or pyelonephritis, requires antibiotic treatment and, possibly, further radiologic evaluation of the genitourinary tract for obstruction, vesicoureteral reflux, cystic disease, and other abnormalities. A urine culture showing " no growth " may need to be followed by imaging studies. A urine sample should be sent for determination of the urine calcium-creatinine ratio. An abnormal result should prompt a 24-hour urine collection to confirm the diagnosis of hypercalciuria. If hematuria is of glomerular origin, measurements of protein excretion and serology tests may be in order. Low C3 levels should bring to mind membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis or SLE as diagnostic possibilities. The latter should be confirmed by measurements of ANA or dsDNA. A low C3 level in association with an elevated ASO titer or anti-DNAse B, are indicative of poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis. The concomitant presence of hematuria and proteinuria often indicates serious renal disease. A kidney biopsy should be considered if proteinuria is persistent. The approach to the evaluation of hematuria varies among physicians and no single method applies in all circumstances. One approach is outlined in Pictures 1-3. TREATMENT Medical Care: Asymptomatic (isolated) hematuria generally does not require treatment. In conditions associated with abnormal clinical, laboratory, or imaging studies, treatment may be necessary, as appropriate, with the primary diagnosis. Surgical Care: Surgical intervention may be necessary in certain anatomical abnormalities, such as ureteropelvic junction obstruction or significant urolithiasis. Consultations: Consultations are required in patients with urinary tract anomalies and in some patients with systemic diseases (eg, bleeding disorders, collagen vascular diseases, sickle cell nephropathy). Diet: Dietary modification usually is not indicated except for children who may have a tendency to develop hypertension or edema as a result of their primary disease process (eg, nephritis). In these patients, a low sodium diet may be helpful. In addition, a diet containing the RDA for calcium plus a low salt diet may be beneficial in children with hypercalciuria and hematuria. Activity: Activities of a child with asymptomatic, isolated hematuria should not be restricted. However, these children and their parents should be informed that strenuous exercise may aggravate hematuria. Restrictions in physical activities may be indicated in children with severe hypertension or cardiovascular disease. Hematuria is a sign and not a disease. Therapy should be directed at the process causing hematuria. Further Outpatient Care: Patients with persistent microscopic hematuria should be monitored at 6- to 12-month intervals for the appearance of signs or symptoms indicative of progressive renal disease. Prominent among them are proteinuria, hypertension, and a decrease in renal function. Prognosis: The prognosis of patients with asymptomatic isolated hematuria is good. The ultimate prognosis for the various conditions associated with hematuria is dependent on the primary medical condition that caused the hematuria in the first place. BIBLIOGRAPHY Chambers WW, Seigel MS, Liu JC, Liu CN: Thermoregulatory responses of decerebrate and spinal cats. Exp Neurol 1974 Feb; 42(2): 282-99[Medline]. Crompton CH, Ward PB, Hewitt IK: The use of urinary red cell morphology to determine the source of hematuria in children. Clin Nephrol 1993 Jan; 39(1): 44-9[Medline]. Cruz CC, Spitzer A: When you find protein or blood in the urine. Contemporary Pediatrics 1998; 15: 89-109. 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Sargent JD, Stukel TA, Kresel J, Klein RZ: Normal values for random urinary calcium to creatinine ratios in infancy. J Pediatr 1993 Sep; 123(3): 393-7[Medline]. Seigel M, Lee ML: Hematuria. Semin Arthritis Rheum 1974; 3: 1. Ward JF, Kaplan GW, Mevorach R, et al: Refined microscopic urinalysis for red blood cell morphology in the evaluation of asymptomatic microscopic hematuria in a pediatric population. J Urol 1998 Oct; 160(4): 1492-5[Medline]. Yadin O: Hematuria in children. Pediatr Ann 1994 Sep; 23(9): 474-8, 481-5[Medline]. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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