What condition is often indicated by abnormal results in a urinalysis for preschool-age children?

Abnormal results in a urinalysis for preschool-age children are often indicative of pyelonephritis, which is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that affects the kidneys. Urinalysis can reveal various abnormalities, such as the presence of white blood cells, bacteria, and sometimes blood, which are common indicators of an infection. In preschool-aged children, pyelonephritis can manifest with symptoms like fever, abdominal pain, or changes in urination.

This condition is particularly concerning in young children because their anatomy and physiology make them more susceptible to infections ascending from the bladder to the kidneys. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications, making abnormal urinalysis results a vital tool for healthcare providers in identifying pyelonephritis in this age group.

Other conditions like dehydration, kidney stones, and urinary incontinence can also have a range of symptoms and might influence urinary characteristics, but they don't typically present with the same specific abnormalities in urinalysis that signal an infection of the kidneys.