HEMATURIA IN CHILDREN - A PRACTICAL APPROACH

The investigation of hematuria in children should never be allowed to pose a greater risk to the child's health than does the problem itself . For this reason, angiography and cystoscopy are rarely employed in t he evaluation. The evaluation of the child should proceed methodically and rest firmly on a well-taken history and results of physical exami nation. The microscopic examination of the urinary sediment is the cor nerstone of the evaluation process and can itself suggest the origin o f the hematuria. Red cell casts, if present, indicate glomerulonephrit is and obviate further urologic evaluation. Genitourinary imaging shou ld be tailored to each clinical situation.