Haematuria: Evaluation and Management

Abstract

<p> <span>Haematuria is a common urological presenting complaint. It can be classed as visible (VH) or non-visible (NVH), and symptomatic or asymptomatic. Approximately 40% of patients who present with haematuria have an underlying disease, including 8–25% of those with VH that have an underlying urological malignancy. Non-visible haematuria is present in about 2.5% of the general population. A focused history, physical examination, urinalysis, blood tests, imaging and cystoscopy form the initial evaluation of haematuria. International guidelines recommend urgent and non-urgent referral pathways, and subsequent targeted investigations depending upon the extent of haematuria and the patient. Non-urological causes may need referring to nephrology or haematology depending on the suspected cause. Patients with persistent asymptomatic NVH warrant monitoring with urinalysis since there is the uncertainty of an underlying and potential serious cause.</span> <br></p>