Toilet habits of children evaluated for urinary tract infection.

The toilet habits of 77 girls and 24 boys who were evaluated after having a urinary tract infection were examined prospectively. Children with known urological conditions that can predispose to urinary tract infections were excluded. A voiding cystourethrogram and renal ultrasound were performed, and a diary of toilet habits was obtained for all patients. Six children were lost to followup. Of the remaining 95 children imaging studies were negative in 60 (negative imaging group) and positive in 35 (positive imaging group). Only 10% of the negative imaging group were without constipation or abnormal voiding compared to 60% of the positive imaging group (p = 0.0001). Toilet habits can affect the development of urinary tract infections. Our data suggest that the evaluation of urinary tract infection should include an inquiry into these habits. Among children with negative imaging studies there may be functional problems that promote the development of urinary tract infections.