Research

Urinary Tract Infection NIH Observational Study

Purpose

The purpose of the Careful Urinary Tract Infection Evaluation (CUTIE) study is to help doctors identify children with urinary tract infections (UTIs) who might be more likely to get kidney scars. This could help children with UTIs stay healthy.

Study Description

UTIs are the most common serious bacterial infections in young children. In children younger than 6 years of age, 70,000 to 180,000 will have a UTI each year. Approximately two-thirds of young children with febrile UTIs will have an infection involving the kidneys and ureters; between 15% and 52% of these children will develop subsequent kidney scarring.

The CUTIE study is an observational study developed to understand why some children develop kidney scars after UTIs. In recent years, our understanding of the relationship of UTI and renal scarring, and current strategies for managing children with UTI have been challenged. Understanding which children are at the greatest risk of renal scarring after a UTI may allow us to provide more targeted therapies and interventions. Furthermore, by saving urine and blood in an NIH repository, we will create future opportunities to examine the genetic determinants of renal scarring in all children with UTI.

Careful Urinary Tract Infection Evaluation (CUTIE) Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)

Study Personnel Directory (PDF)

Eligibility Criteria

At least 2 months of age, but less than 6 years old
1st or 2nd UTI with either fever or symptoms within 16 weeks of enrollment
No history of VUR
No history of other renal injury or serious disease
No allergies to sulfa medications, including trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
Meet a few additional eligibility requirements

Enroll

For more information or to enroll, contact Alejandro Hoberman, MD, Chief, Division of General Academic Pediatrics, at 412-999-3277.

Toolkit for Physicians

How to refer your next patient with UTI:

1. Call Dr. Hoberman at 412-999-3277 (EARS)
2. Refer parents to CUTIE study materials.
3. Provide parents with Assisted Imaging Service information.

CUTIE study materials for parents

CUTIE Consent Form (PDF)
CUTIE Parent Brochure (PDF)
CUTIE Study Introduction (PDF)
Ultrasound Procedure (PDF)
Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG) Procedure (PDF)
DMSA Kidney Scan Procedure (PDF)
Directions to Oakland Medical Building (PDF)

Assisted UTI Imaging Clinical Service

To facilitate scheduling of recommended tests (VCUG, DMSA, ultrasound) Pittsburgh area primary care providers have the opportunity to take advantage of a new service at Children's Hospital. Area practitioners can contact the Assisted Imaging Service at 412-692-5271, or call Dr. Hoberman at 412-999-3277. A staff member of the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC RIVUR team will schedule the tests and provide directions to the imaging center at Children's Hospital in Oakland. Results will be sent directly to the child’s primary care provider.