Blood In Urine (Hematuria) In Children: Causes, Symptoms And When To Worry

image: iStock

Blood in the urine (Hematuria) in children or pediatric hematuria is a condition that often occurs due to problems in kidney health. The kidneys filter the urine, ensuring no red blood cells (RBCs) in it. However, in hematuria, the kidneys fail to keep out blood from the urine.

Hematuria may occur due to kidney abnormalities or urinary tract abnormalities, with most underlying causes of benign nature. The condition is common among children.

Read on to learn about the causes, types, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of hematuria in children.

Types Of Hematuria

Hematuria can be of two types, namely microscopic hematuria and gross hematuria (1)

• Microscopic hematuria is not visible to the naked eye and is usually detected via microscopic examination of the urine, generally during urinalysis, to diagnose the causes of urinary symptoms. This may often resolve without treatment and may not cause any signs and symptoms in some children.

• Gross hematuria is visible to the naked eye. Urine may appear red or tea- or cola-colored. This can be with or without symptoms and is usually not painful. Children may complain of pain if they pass blood clots in the urine or if other signs and symptoms accompany hematuria.

Microscopic hematuria is often not a cause for concern in healthy children. However, doctors may recommend diagnostic tests if the child has high blood pressure, proteinuria (proteins in the urine), or chronic kidney diseases.

Risk Factors And Causes Of Hematuria In Children

Blood or red blood cells may leak into the urine due to abnormalities in the kidney or problems with urethraⁱXA tube or a duct that transports stored urine from the urinary bladder to outside of the human body. and bladder health. The following conditions are some of the common causes of hematuria in children (1) (2) (3):

1. Bladder infections (cystitis)

2. Kidney infections (pyelonephritis)

3. Injury or trauma to the kidneys or another part of the urinary system

4. Certain medications such as some OTC pain relievers, blood thinners (heparin, warfarin) and sulfa-containing drugs, penicillins, and cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)

5. Strenuous exercise

Quick fact

Exercise hematuria is a condition that causes blood to appear in the urine after exerting oneself (3).

Image: Shutterstock

6. Abnormal urinary tract structures such as cysts (fluid-filled sacs) in the kidneys

7. Inherited diseases such as Alport’s syndrome, inherited nephritis, polycystic kidney disease, and sickle cell disease

8. Kidney stones and mineral imbalance in the urine, such as high levels of calcium

9. Glomerulonephritis — inflammation of the glomeruli, the filtering units of the kidneys

10. Post infectious glomerulonephritis (PIGN) — kidney inflammation after a viral or bacterial infection.

11. Familial idiopathic hematuria — when blood in urine is present without any specific cause, which may often run in families.

Point to consider

Treatment for familial idiopathic hematuria is typically not required if there is no family history of kidney disease and other diagnostic tests are negative (1).

13. Bladder or kidney tumors

14. Bleeding disorders such as hemophilia and Von Willebrand’s disease

Children who had a recent kidney infection or are under certain medications are at an increased risk for hematuria. Also, children with a positive family history of hematuria and kidney disease have a higher risk than others. Runners and joggers may also be more prone to hematuria than other athletes.

Quick fact

Some other causes of hematuria may be vesicoureteral reflux (a condition when urine passes backward from the bladder into one or both ureters and then to the kidneys) and ureteropelvic junction obstruction (a blockage of urine flow from the renal pelvis to the ureter) (9).

Signs And Symptoms Associated With Hematuria

Image: Shutterstock

Hematuria is not a disease in itself and is often a sign or indication of underlying conditions. It may not cause specific signs and symptoms in many children. However, in some cases, painful urination can be seen in children with blood clots in the urine or those whose urine flow is blocked.

The signs and symptoms associated with hematuria may vary depending on the underlying causes, including (3)

• Periorbital and lower extremities edema (swelling)ⁱXMild to severe swelling around the eye region, often caused by an infection or other medical ailments.
• Reduced urination
• High blood pressure
• Fever
• Chills
• Flank and abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Frequent urination

When To See A Doctor?

All children with gross hematuria require medical evaluation. You may consult the pediatrician if your child manifests the following.

• Urinary symptoms such as painful urination and belly or flank pain
• Fever

Image: Shutterstock

• Swelling
• Oliguria (decreased urine production)
• Lethargy
• Headaches
• Irritability
• Joint pain
• Skin rashes
• Bleeding from any part of the body
• Strenuous exercise-related hematuria

Diagnosis Of Hematuria

Diagnosis of hematuria usually begins with physical examination and a review of the child’s family history. The following tests are ordered in children with blood in urine to identify the underlying cause (1) (4).

• Urine tests are done to look for blood in the urine. Calcium, proteins, and creatinineⁱXA waste product of muscles removed from the kidneys through urine. levels are also evaluated during urinalysis.
• Kidney ultrasound may help visualize the kidney structures.
• Blood tests may help determine signs of infections, kidney function, and other factors.
• Kidney biopsy may be done for children with microscopic hematuria, proteinuria, a family history of kidney disorders, and high blood pressure.
• Urine tests are done for several months in children who have microscopic hematuria with normal kidney function.
• CT scan with contrast may help visualize the kidneys and ureters and help diagnose bladder abnormalities.
• Cystoscopy, in which a flexible telescope is inserted through the urethra and into the bladder, to look for bladder and urethra abnormalities, may be done.

Doctors may also order additional tests to identify the underlying cause depending on the initial results or symptoms. A genital examination may also be done to exclude the chance of bleeding from the genital system.

Treatment For Hematuria

The treatment options for hematuria may vary depending on the underlying causes (5).

1. Urolithiasis (stones): Adequate fluid intake is recommended to move the stones in initial management. Urine alkalinizationⁱXA treatment that minimizes the levels of acid in the urine by altering its pH levels. for uric acid stones and urine acidification for calcium phosphate stones are done in the next step. Pain relievers and medical therapy are often prescribed. Larger stones may be removed via lithotripsy or surgery.

2. Genetic disorders: Supportive treatments to relieve the symptoms are given for genetic disorders, such as Alport syndromeⁱXAn inherited kidney disease caused due to a mutation in a gene that codes for the collagen protein. , since there is no cure. ACE inhibitors and ARB blockers are usually prescribed to manage hypertension and proteinuria.

3. HUS: Hemolytic uremic syndrome in children is managed with supportive care, such as blood transfusion. Fluid and electrolyte balance is also maintained via the parenteral and enteral routes. Hemodialysis (renal replacement therapy) may be required in severe cases.

4. UTIs: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are treated with antibiotic therapy. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or first-generation cephalosporin therapy is often prescribed, and hydration is maintained with oral fluids in most cases and IV fluids in severe cases that require hospitalization.

Image: Shutterstock

5. PIGN: Post-infectious glomerulonephritis (PIGN) is treated with antibiotic therapy and salt restriction with or without fluid restriction. Loop diuretics are also often prescribed.

6. Bleeding disorders: These are treated with infusions of fresh frozen plasma or clotting factors.

7. Kidney and urinary tract injuries: Traumatic injuries are managed depending on the location and severity. Severe trauma may require surgical management.

8. Tumor growths: Urinary system cancer and tumor cases are referred to oncologists, and treatment is based on the type and location of the growth. Surgical removal, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, etc., are done accordingly.

Some conditions causing hematuria can be self-limiting, and doctors may not prescribe any specific medications. The child may receive adequate hydration and rest until the cause resolves. You may discuss with the pediatrician to know the management plan for hematuria in your child.

How To Prevent Hematuria In Children?

Image: Shutterstock

Not all cases of hematuria are preventable. However, adequate fluid intake may help prevent kidney stones and urinary tract conditions in some children. Maintaining good hygiene may also reduce the risk of certain diseases. Salt restrictions can be helpful in certain conditions.

Infographic: What Are The Common Causative Factors Of Hematuria In Children?

If you’ve observed any sign of bleeding in your child’s urine, it’s critical to get medical attention because this could be a sign of a significant underlying health issue. Also, knowing the cause can help manage the condition more appropriately. So, look through the infographic below to explore some of the reasons for hematuria in children.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Hematuria in children is caused by various factors. This video gives valuable insight into the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

Was this article helpful?

The following two tabs change content below.

• Reviewer
• Author
• Editor
• Fact-checker

Dr. Priya ThomasMD

Dr. Priya Thomas is a board-certified pediatrician practicing in Alpharetta, Georgia, with over ten years of experience. She grew up in Kerala and completed her undergraduate degree at Georgia State University and Her medical education at Medical College of Georgia. Dr. Thomas has a special interest in the mental health of children and she recently completed a mini-fellowship in mental...more

Dr Bisny T. JosephMedical Doctor

Dr. Bisny T. Joseph is a Georgian Board-certified physician. She has completed her professional graduate degree as a medical doctor from Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgia. She has around 5 years of experience in various sectors of medical affairs as a physician, medical reviewer, medical writer, health coach, and Q&A expert. Her interest in digital medical education and patient education...more

Dr. Ritika ShahBDS, CLC

Dr. Ritika Shah is a certified lactation counsellor (CLC) from iNational Health Care Academy, Singapore and a dental surgeon with more than seven years of clinical experience across various cities in India. She did her graduation in Dentistry from KM Shah Dental College. During her clinical practice, pediatric dentistry was her particular area of interest, and she constantly thrived to...more

Vidya TadapatriMSc (Biotechnology)

Vidya did her post-graduation in Biotechnology from Osmania University, Hyderabad. Her interest in scientific research and writing made her pursue a career in writing, in which she now has over five years of experience. She has done certified biotechnology-related training programs under renowned organizations such as Centre For Cellular & Molecular Biology and Department of Biotechnology. Vidya writes health-based articles...more