What is the significance of leukocytes found in a urine sample of a child?

The presence of leukocytes in a urine sample of a child is significant because it typically suggests a urinary tract infection (UTI). Leukocytes, or white blood cells, are part of the immune system and respond to infections. When there is an infection in the urinary tract, such as in cystitis or pyelonephritis, the body sends white blood cells to the site of infection, leading to their increased presence in the urine.

This finding is particularly pertinent in children, as UTIs can present differently than in adults and may not always show classic symptoms. In a pediatric population, assessing for leukocytes can serve as an important diagnostic marker prompting further evaluation and potential treatment.

In contrast, while dehydration, normal renal function, and kidney stones can all have other implications in a child's health, they do not specifically correlate with elevated leukocyte counts in urine. The presence of leukocytes is most directly linked to infection processes, making the suggestion of a UTI the most accurate interpretation in this context.