Abstract
Purpose Idiopathic urethritis (IU) in children is of unknown etiology and treatment options
are limited. We aim to report our experience with steroid instillation in IU in children.
Methods Retrospective data collection of all male children diagnosed with IU over a period
of 8 years. Patients with balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO) and positive urine culture
at presentation were excluded from the study. Data were collected on patient demographics,
laboratory and radiological investigations, cystoscopy findings, management, and outcomes.
Results A total of 16 male children were diagnosed with IU. The mean age was 11.6 (7–16)
years. Presenting symptoms included dysuria in 10; frank hematuria in 7; loin pain
in 5; and scrotal pain in 2 patients. Serum C-reactive protein and full blood count
was tested in 13 patients and was within normal limits in all of them. Endoscopy findings
included posterior urethritis in 12, anterior urethritis in 2, and urethral stricture
with inflammation in 2 patients. Ten patients required more than one episode of steroid
instillation. Mean follow-up was 19.4 (1–74) months. Complete resolution of symptoms
and signs occurred in 15 (93.6%) patients and improvement of symptoms and signs noted
with ongoing treatment in 1 (6.4%) patient.
Conclusion IU in children can be successfully managed with steroid instillation. In our series,
93.6% of children had complete resolution of symptoms.
Keywords
idiopathic urethritis - steroid instillation - urethrovasal reflux - children - urethritis
