Urinary-tract Infections Flashcards
What is the most common cause of UTIs?
Bacteria from the GI tract entering the urinary tract, esp E.coli
Which organism should be suspected in a hospitalized patients with a UTI who is immunocompromised or has an indwelling catheter?
Candida, otherwise a rare cause of UTI
What is considered a lower UTI?
Infection of the bladder or urethra (cystitis or urethritis)
What is considered an upper UTI?
Infection of the ureters +/- the kidneys (pyelitis, pyelonephritis)
What are the main complications of upper UTIs? (4)
- Renal scarring
- Abscess formation
- Renal failure
- Sepsis
Which symptoms are considered lower urinary tract symptoms?
Dysuria, increased urinary frequency and urgency, urine that is strong smelling, cloudy, or contains blood, and persistent lower abdominal pain
Which symptoms are associated with upper UTI? (2)
Loin pain and fever
Is asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnant women regularly treated?
Yes, it is a risk factor for pyelonephritis and premature labor
UTIs in pregnancy have also been associated with developmental delay and cerebral palsy in infants, as well as fetal death
At what point are UTIs considered recurrent?
At least 2 episodes within 6 months OR
3 episodes within 12 months
What is an important complication of UTIs in men?
Acute prostatitis, usually caused by a UTI
What are the symptoms of prostatitis?
Sudden onset fever, acute urinary retention or irritative voiding symptoms
What are the possible complications of prostatitis? (4)
- Prostatic abscess
- Bacteremia
- Epididymitis
- Pyelonephritis
How is chronic prostatitis defined?
A complication of acute prostatitis wherein urogenital pain and LUTS last at least 3 months
What are the aims of treatment of UTIs? (4)
- Relieve symptoms
- Treat underlying infection
- Prevent systemic infection
- Reduce the risk of complications
What is the non-drug treatment advised for patients with UTIs? (3)
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
- Use self-care strategies to reduce risk of infections
- wipe from front to back after defecation
- do not delay urination
- do not wear occlusive underwear - Some non-pregnant women with recurrent UTIs may wish to try cranberry products or D-mannose to prevent future infection (not a treatment)
Is asymptomatic bacteriuria routinely treated with antibacterials?
No, except in pregnant women
When should patients being treated for UTIs be reassessed? (2)
- If symptoms worsen at any time
2. If symptoms do not start to improve within 48 hours of starting treatment
Should pain management be offered to patients with UTIs?
Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used for pain relief in most patients
Where appropriate, codeine may be used in patients with acute pyelonephritis or prostatitis
What is the treatment of choice for non-pregnant women with lower UTIs?
FIRST LINE:
- oral nitrofurantoin
- oral trimethoprim (if low risk of resistance)
SECOND LINE: if no improvement after at least 48 hours or if first line not suitable
- oral nitrofurantoin (if not used first line)
- oral fosfomycin
- oral pivmecillinam hydrochloride
- oral amoxicillin (high rate of resistance, so only if culture susceptible)