Abstract
Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common cause of fever and hospitalization in infants. Early diagnosis and management are vital to prevent short and long-term complications. We aimed to describe clinical features, laboratory and imaging findings, risk factors and short-term outcomes among infants <1 year hospitalized with UTI. Methods: A Single-Center retrospective analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at the Pediatric Department of Al-Hadaba Al-Khadra General Hospital, Tripoli, Libya. Data including fifty (50) infants hospitalized with a confirmed diagnosis of (UTI) between January and October 2024. Data were extracted from medical records, included demographics, presentation, laboratory results, imaging, risk factors, and outcomes. All infants received broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics adjusted according to culture sensitivity. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics used to summarize infants characteristics. Associations were tested using Fisher’s exact/Chi-square; and logistic regression was planned for independent predictors. P < 0.05 was significant. Results: Fifty infants were included. Fever (96%) and vomiting (68%), were the most frequent symptoms. Abnormal renal ultrasound was detected in (44%) and positive urine culture in (14%). Eight infants (16%) had identifiable risk factors—Spina bifida (2), antenatal hydronephrosis (1), renal hypoplasia (1), maternal antenatal UTI (2), prolonged rupture of membranes (2), and uncircumcised males (4). Prolonged stay occurred in (22%), recurrence in (24%) and sepsis in (8%). Abnormal ultrasound and positive culture were independent predictors of prolonged stay, while risk factors and abnormal imaging predicted recurrence. Conclusion: UTI in infants commonly presents with systemic symptoms and significant imaging abnormalities. Abnormal renal ultrasound is a key predictor of prolonged stay, recurrence, and complications, highlighting the need for early imaging and structured follow-up of high-risk infants to prevent renal damage.