Bladder debris on ultrasound as a predictor for positive urine culture in a pediatric population

Nearly half of pediatric patients undergoing urological evaluation found to have bladder debris on ultrasound will have a positive urine culture. Debris is noted more commonly in girls and at a slightly higher age. The presence of debris is associated with a fourfold increase in detecting a positive urine culture, regardless of debris severity, hydronephrosis, or vesicoureteral reflux. Given this, it is of value to routinely document and look for the presence of any amount of bladder debris seen on ultrasound, as this finding can be used to augment clinical decision-making and warrants strong consideration for obtaining urine culture.Table Overall results.With debrisWithout debrispn96349Mean age (years)6.65.50.02Positive urine culture45/96 (47%)42/349 (12%)<0.001Hydronephrosis32/96 (33%)155/349 (44%)0.05Vesicoureteral reflux34/96 (35%)126/349 (36%)0.90