An evidence-based approach to the management of hematuria in children in the emergency department.

Hematuria is defined as an abnormal number of red blood cells in urine. Even a tiny amount of blood (1 mL in 1000 mL of urine) is sufficient to make urine appear pink or red. In the pediatric population, the majority of etiologies are benign and often asymptomatic. However, hematuria may also be a sign of renal pathology, local infection, or systemic disease. Hematuria can be differentiated into 2 categories: macroscopic hematuria (visible to the naked eye) and microscopic hematuria (> 5 red blood cells/high-powered field on urinalysis). This review will outline the current literature regarding evaluation and management of pediatric patients who present to the emergency department with hematuria. Obtaining a thorough history and the appropriate diagnostic tests will be discussed in depth.