UTIs Flashcards
What is the most common pathogen that causes a UTI?
E. coli
UTIs are uncommon in healthy individuals. True or false?
False
Why are women more prone to UTIs than men?
Because they have a shorter urethra, predisposing to infection with G-ve bacteria from GIT
What are the signs of UTI?
Frequency - visit the toilet more often than usual
Dysuria - pain, stinging, burning sensations
Urgency - feel the need to go to the toilet a lot
Haematuria - blood in urine
The urinary tract is usually completely sterile. True or false?
True
How is cystitis managed in community?
OTC potassium and sodium citrate - alkaline so make urine less painful to pass
OTC analgesia
When should a case of cystitis be referred, in community?
Pregnancy
Diabetes
Men and children
Re-current
What is pyelonephritis?
An ascending infection in UT -> Inflammation of the kidney due to bacterial infection
What are the symptoms of pyelonephritis?
Fever
Loin pain
Malaise
How is a UTI diagnosed?
Symptoms
Urine dipstick - nitrates and leukocytes (protein and blood even though these are not diagnostic)
Mid Stream Sample of Urine - indicates organism responsible
What does a presence of nitrates in urine indicate?
Bacterial infection as nitrates are a breakdown product
Recurrent UTIs carry an increased risk of renal damage. When should a patient be referred?
Refer if patient has had more than 3 episodes in one year
What is meant by an uncomplicated UTI?
Women (including pregnant)
Single episode in children
What is meant by a complicated UTI?
Men
Structural abnormality - indwelling catheter, prostatic hypertrophy etc.
When should a UTI be treated?
If patient is symptomatic AND urine dipstick is positive (i.e. nitrates and leukocytes)
What advice can be given to patients on symptom control and prevention of UTIs?
Drink plenty of fluids
Avoid caffeine
Empty bladder after sex
Empty bladder often and ensure full emptying - wipe front to back
UTIs are uncommon in pregnancy - it is an emergency and needs immediate referral. True or false?
False - very common and often asymptomatic - risk of progression to pyelonephritis
For UTIs in pregnancy, what are women screened for at their first visit?
Bacteruria
Pregnant women with bacteruria are not given antibiotics if they are asymptomatic. True or false?
False - given , even if asymptomatic
urine culture performed 7 days after AB treatment
When are children treated for UTIs?
When urine dipstick positive
How many days is the treatment for children with cystitis/lower UTI?
3 days
If child has UTI and is at risk of pyelonephritis/upper UTI, how many days is treatment?
10 days
What is first line treatment for UTIs?
Trimethoprim
Nitrofurantoin
What is the treatment for recurrent UTI and what is the duration?
Treat as UTI and also consider prophylaxis with trimethoprim - duration 3-6 months
What drugs are given for acute pyelonephritis?
2nd gen cephalosporins
Quinolones
Gentamicin
For 14 days
What drug are given in pregnancy for asymptomatic bacteruria?
Amoxicillin for 7 days
