risk factors

Last reviewed 01/2018

Risk factors include:

  • gender - male neonatally, female later
  • blood group antigens - Lewis antigen confers an increased risk of E. coli infection that may be related to an increased chance of bacterial adherence
  • constipation - the loaded colon leading to improper voiding of the bladder
  • vesico-ureteric reflux
  • obstructive lesions in the genitourinary system, mechanical or functional
  • direction of wiping in girls - unproven, but makes sense