Prophylaxis, a Greek term, means "to guard or avoid beforehand." The goal of antibiotic prophylaxis in paediatric urology is to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children who are at risk, such as those with hydroureteronephrosis and vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Both benefits and risks of antibiotic prophylaxis for paediatric urologic diseases have been established. Antibiotic prophylaxis is at best unnecessary and at worst hazardous for all children with VUR, as well as those who have all degrees of hydronephrosis (HN) and hydroureteronephrosis. It is unknown whether prophylactic antibiotics will have a positive or negative effect on the body as it ages and develops. Over the last two decades, increased public and physician awareness of the truth of previous statements has resulted in a more selective approach to the use of prophylactic antibiotics. Although it was previously thought that most children with conditions such as VUR or hydronephrosis were at high risk of UTI and thus would benefit from continuous antibiotic prophylaxis (CAP), data from multiple studies has shown otherwise. The usage of prophylactic antibiotics has changed over the past 20 years as medical professionals and the general public have become more aware of the veracity of earlier claims. Contrary to what was previously believed, most children with diseases like VUR or hydronephrosis are not at high risk for UTIs and do not benefit from continuous antibiotic prophylaxis (CAP), according to evidence from numerous research.
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