Question

When a neonate’s urine appears red, it is first necessary to distinguish whether it is true hematuria or a pseudo-hematuria caused by medication. Many factors can lead to hematuria, including urogenital system diseases, systemic diseases, and physical and chemical factors. How can the source of hematuria be determined?

Answer

Before determining the cause, it is first necessary to differentiate between true and false hematuria. Some medications like aminophen, phenytoin sodium, rifampin, etc., can cause the urine to turn red, which needs to be distinguished from true hematuria. Hematuria can be caused by various factors, including urogenital system diseases (such as various nephritis, stones, kidney tuberculosis, etc.), systemic diseases (such as hemorrhagic diseases, leukemia, etc.), and physical and chemical factors (such as food allergies, medications, radiation exposure, etc.). To clearly identify the cause, a three-cup urine test can help understand the source of the hematuria. If an ultrasound examination shows no abnormalities, it is usually not necessary to be overly concerned. It is recommended to undergo a detailed examination for an early recovery.