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INTRODUCTION |
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Background: This article
addresses pyelonephritis and cystitis as they apply to adult females; pediatric
infections are not covered. Nosocomial urinary tract infections (UTIs) and their
main risk factor, indwelling urethral catheters, will be discussed, as well as
infections in special hosts (patients with spinal injury, diabetes, transplants)
and special conditions (candiduria, perirenal abscess). For issues relating to
multidrug-resistant organisms (such as Acinetobacter) or particular
organisms (gonorrhea, schistosomiasis), the reader should consult those
particular articles. This article does not discuss urethritis, sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs), or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in any detail.
UTIs may be referred to as cystitis or pyelonephritis, terms that refer to
the lower and upper urinary tract, respectively. The terms bacteriuria and
candiduria describe bacteria or yeast in the urine. Very ill patients may be
referred to as having urosepsis.
The following terms are defined for uniformity in this article:
Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) refers to 2 consecutive urine cultures growing
more than 100,000 colony-forming units (CFU) of a bacterial species in a patient
lacking symptoms of a UTI.
Uropathogens are specific bacteria that have been clinically associated with
invasion of the urinary tract.
Complicated UTIs are defined as UTIs that are associated with metabolic
disorders, that occur at sites other than the urinary bladder, or that are
secondary to anatomic or functional abnormalities that impair urinary tract
drainage. Most complicated UTIs are nosocomial in origin. The most common
pathogens include Escherichia coli, enterococci, Pseudomonas
aeruginosa, candidal species, and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Complicated UTIs may be subdivided into the following 4 categories:
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- Structural abnormalities - Calculi, infected cysts, renal/bladder
abscesses, certain forms of pyelonephritis, spinal cord injury (SCI),
catheters
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- Metabolic/hormonal abnormalities - Diabetes, pregnancy
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- Impaired host responses - Transplant recipients, patients with AIDS
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- Unusual pathogens - Yeast, etc
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Pathophysiology: In general, 3 main mechanisms are
responsible for UTIs, including (1) colonization with ascending spread, (2)
hematogenous spread, and (3) periurogenital spread of infection. Specific
organism characteristics, defects in host defenses, and pathophysiologic details
concerning particular UTIs now will be discussed.
Bacterial virulence
Uropathogenic bacteria, derived from a subset of fecal flora, have traits
that enable adherence, growth, and resistance of host defenses, resulting in
colonization and infection of the urinary tract.
Adhesins are bacterial surface structures that enable attachment to host
membranes. In E coli infection, these include both pili (ie, fimbriae)
and outer membrane proteins (eg, Dr hemagglutinin). P fimbriae, which
attach to globoseries-type glycolipids found in the colon and urinary
epithelium, are associated with pyelonephritis, cystitis, and also are found in
many E coli strains causing urosepsis. Type 1 fimbriae bind to
mannose-containing structures found in many different cell types, including the
major protein found in human urine, Tamm-Horsfall protein. Whether this
facilitates or inhibits uroepithelial colonization is the subject of some
debate.
Other factors that may be important for E coli virulence in the
urinary tract include capsular polysaccharides, hemolysins, cytotoxic
necrotizing factor (CNF) protein, and aerobactins. Several Kauffman serogroups
of E coli may be more likely to cause UTIs, including O1, O2, O4, O6,
O16, and O18. Another example of bacterial virulence is the swarming capability
of Proteus mirabilis. Swarming involves the expression of specific
genes when these bacteria are exposed to surfaces such as catheters. This
results in the coordinated movement of large numbers of bacteria, enabling P
mirabilis to move across solid surfaces. This likely explains the
association of P mirabilis UTIs with instrumentation of the urinary
tract.
Host resistance
Most uropathogens gain access to the urinary tract via an ascending route.
The shorter length of the female urethra allows uropathogens easier access to
the bladder. The continuous unidirectional flow of urine helps to minimize UTIs,
and anything that interferes with this increases the host's susceptibility to
UTI. Examples of interference include volume depletion, sexual intercourse,
urinary tract obstruction, instrumentation, use of catheters not drained to
gravity, and vesicoureteral reflux.
Secretory defenses help to promote bacterial clearance and prevent adherence.
Secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA) reduces attachment and invasion of bacteria in
the urinary tract. Women who are nonsecretors of the ABH blood antigens appear
to be at higher risk of recurrent UTIs; this may occur because of a lack of
specific glycosyltransferases that modify epithelial surface glycolipids,
allowing E coli to bind to them better.
Urine itself has several antibacterial features that suppress UTIs.
Specifically, the pH, urea concentration, osmolarity, and various organic acids
prevent most bacteria from surviving in the urinary tract.
Pathophysiologic details of complicated urinary tract infections
Pyelonephritis almost always is the result of bacteria migrating from the
bladder to the renal parenchyma, which is enhanced by vesicourethral reflux. In
uncomplicated pyelonephritis, the bacterial invasion and renal damage are
limited to the pyelocalyceal-medullary region; in complicated pyelonephritis,
all regions of the kidney may be affected. If the infection progresses, bacteria
may invade the bloodstream, resulting in bacteremia.
Complicated pyelonephritis results from structural and functional
abnormalities, urologic manipulations, or underlying disease. Complicated
pyelonephritis includes pyelonephritis in men and pyelonephritis elderly people.
Patients with diabetes may develop emphysematous or xanthogranulomatous
pyelonephritis and necrotizing papillitis.
Subclinical pyelonephritis should be considered in indigent people; pregnant
women; people with diabetes; people with alcoholism; and patients with a history
of pyelonephritis, renal transplant, UTI before age 12 years, and more than 3
UTIs in the past year.
Calculi related to UTIs most commonly occur in women with recurrent UTIs from
Proteus, Pseudomonas, and Providencia species (see
Picture 1);
bacterial biofilms serve to assist struvite growth. Because magnesium ammonium
phosphate is acid soluble, stone formation does not tend to occur with a urinary
pH lower than 7.19. Increases in ammonia raise the pH and injure the
uroepithelial glycosaminoglycan layer, contributing to bacterial adherence.
Alkalinity also increases the amount of phosphate and carbonate available to
bind calcium and magnesium.
Renal corticomedullary abscesses usually are associated with vesicoureteral
reflux or urinary tract obstruction, and the usual organisms include E coli,
Klebsiella species, and Proteus species. Clinical syndromes
include acute focal bacterial nephritis, acute multifocal bacterial nephritis,
emphysematous pyelonephritis, and xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis.
Acute focal bacterial nephritis is also known as acute lobar nephronia or
focal pyelonephritis. This is an acute bacterial interstitial nephritis
affecting a single renal lobe. Acute multifocal bacterial nephritis affects more
than 1 lobe (see
Picture 2). Emphysematous pyelonephritis is a severe, necrotizing form of
acute multifocal bacterial nephritis. Retroperitoneal (ie, extraluminal) gas may
be observed in the renal parenchyma and perirenal space on radiographs. This is
observed most commonly in people with diabetes, but it also may be observed in
patients with immunocompromise or obstruction.
Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis is a severe chronic infection of the renal
parenchyma. The kidney is enlarged and is fixed to the retroperitoneum by either
perirenal fibrosis or an extension of the granulomatous process. The inciting
event appears to be renal obstruction and chronic UTI. Predisposing factors
include renal calculi, lymphatic obstruction, renal ischemia, dyslipidemia,
diabetes, and primary hyperparathyroidism.
A perinephric abscess is defined as a collection of purulent material between
the renal capsule and Gerota fascia. A perinephric abscess may develop secondary
to an intrarenal abscess, a renal cortical abscess, xanthogranulomatous
pyelonephritis, chronic or recurrent pyelonephritis, or from hematogenous
dissemination. Predisposing factors are similar to those for intrarenal abscess.
Approximately 25% of patients have diabetes.
Over time, patients with diabetes may develop cystopathy, nephropathy, and
renal papillary necrosis, complications that predispose them to UTIs. Long-term
effects of diabetic cystopathy include vesicourethral reflux and recurrent UTIs;
as many as 30% of women with diabetes have some degree of cystocele,
cystourethrocele, or rectocele.
Vaginal candidiasis and vascular disease also play a role in recurrent
infections. Hyperglycemia causes neutrophil dysfunction by increasing
intracellular calcium levels, interfering with actin and, thus, diapedesis and
phagocytosis.
Renal cortical abscesses (ie, renal carbuncles) usually result from
hematogenous spread of bacteria. Primary sources of infection include skin
infections, osteomyelitis, and endovascular infections. These are observed
commonly in users of injection drug, people with diabetes, and patients on
dialysis. The most common organism isolated is Staphylococcus aureus.
Ten percent of cortical abscesses may rupture through the renal capsule and form
a perinephric abscess.
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease can lead to end-stage renal
disease. Cysts may become infected from either bacteremia or from bacteriuria.
Several factors increase the risk of UTI in pregnancy. These factors include
relative obstruction of the ureters (secondary to the enlarging uterus), smooth
muscle relaxation of the ureter and bladder (secondary to progesterone), and
aminoaciduria and glycosuria, which provide a favorable environment for bacteria
to grow. E coli is the most common organism isolated from cultures,
although P mirabilis and K pneumoniae also are observed. Less
common agents include group B streptococci and Staphylococcus saprophyticus.
Group B streptococci are isolated in approximately 5% of infections and have
been linked to preterm labor; these patients should receive prophylactic
antibiotics during delivery to reduce the risk of neonatal sepsis.
Risk factors for candiduria include diabetes mellitus, indwelling urinary
catheters, and antibiotic use. Candiduria may clear spontaneously or may result
in (or from) deep fungal infections. The presence of Candida species in
the urine usually represents colonization and not infection, and, as such, not
all patients with candiduria require treatment. A lower threshold for initiating
treatment exists for patients with diabetes, history of renal transplantation,
or genitourinary abnormalities.
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Frequency:
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- In the US: UTIs in women are very common; approximately
25-40% of women in the United States aged 20-40 years have had a UTI. In 1998,
approximately 3.2% of emergency department visits were related to symptoms
involving the genitourinary tract. Estimates based on office and emergency
department visits suggest per annum about 7 million episodes of acute cystitis
and 250,000 episodes of acute pyelonephritis. Ten to 15% of nephrolithiasis
episodes are secondary to organisms associated with stone production. The
incidence of renal and perirenal abscesses is 1-10 cases per 10,000
population. Some estimate that UTIs cost at least 1 billion dollars per year.
Patients with spinal cord injuries are at an increased risk for UTIs; lower
rates occur in those with incomplete injuries. In patients practicing clean
intermittent catheterization, the mean incidence of UTIs is 10.3 per1000
catheter days; after 3 months, the rate is fewer than 2 per 1000 catheter
days. Once a urethral catheter is in place, the daily incidence of bacteriuria
is 3-10%. Because the majority will become bacteriuric by 30 days, that is a
convenient dividing line between short- and long-term catheterization.
- Internationally: UTIs have been well studied in Sweden
and other parts of Europe, and these data are referred to frequently in this
article.
Data from the tropics are less well documented. UTIs appear to be common
and associated with structural abnormalities. Chronic infection from
Schistosoma haematobium disrupts bladder mucosal integrity and causes
urinary obstruction and stasis. Salmonella bacteriuria, with or
without bacteremia, is very common in patients with schistosomiasis. Treatment
requires both antischistosomal and anti-Salmonella agents.
Tuberculosis (TB) of the kidney results from hematogenous spread but is
relatively rare in developing countries. Unlike most other extrapulmonary
manifestations of the disease, TB of the kidney does not become manifest until
5-15 years after the primary infection. Constitutional symptoms are uncommon,
and most patients present with symptoms of bladder irritation. Initially,
pyuria is observed, and, with progression of the disease, proteinuria and
blood may be observed as well. Repeated urine samples should be sent for
mycobacterial culture. A loss of calyceal architecture and ureteric
obstruction may be observed on imaging studies. Concurrent pulmonary disease
is present in 5% of patients, and the tuberculin test rarely is helpful.
Antituberculous medicines should be administered for 6 months. If the ureter
is obstructed, corticosteroids have been advocated; if obstruction persists,
surgical intervention is necessary.
Mortality/Morbidity:
- The mortality associated with acute uncomplicated cystitis among women
aged 20-60 years appears to be negligible. A longitudinal cohort study of
Swedish women showed a higher mortality among women with a history of UTI
compared with age-matched women without this history (37% versus 28% in 10 y,
P<0.001). These cohorts were not matched for other mortality-related
factors, making it difficult to attribute the increased mortality to UTIs.
- In contrast, the morbidity in terms of quality of life and economic
measures is tremendous. Each episode of UTI in a young woman results in an
average of 6.1 days of symptoms, 1.2 days of decreased class/work attendance,
and 0.4 days in bed.
- Groups at risk for UTIs associated with calculi include those with
dysfunctional voiding, urinary intestinal diversion, indwelling urinary
catheters, and vesicoureteral reflux.
Race: No racial predilection exists.
Sex: Uncomplicated UTIs are much more common among women
than men when matched for age. A study of Norwegian men aged 21-50 years showed
an approximate incidence of 0.0006-0.0008 infections per person-year, compared
with approximately 0.5-0.7 per person-year in similarly aged women in the United
States.
- Renal carbuncles are more common in men than women by a ratio of 3:1 and
are most common in the second to fourth decades of life. The right kidney is
involved most commonly (63%).
- Renal corticomedullary abscesses affect men and women equally;
xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis affects more women than men.
Age: The incidence of UTI in women tends to increase with
increasing age. Several peaks above baseline correspond with specific events,
including an increase among women aged 18-30 years (associated with honeymoon
cystitis and pregnancy). Older adults have is a higher incidence of renal
corticomedullary abscesses. This article does not discuss UTIs in children.
|
CLINICAL |
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History:
- This topic is addressed in greater detail in
Urethritis. The symptoms of acute urethritis overlap with those of
cystitis, including acute dysuria and urinary hesitancy.
- Urethral discharge is much more suggestive of urethritis, while
bladder-related symptoms, such as urgency, polyuria, and incomplete voids,
are more consistent with cystitis.
- Fever may be a component of urethritis-related syndromes (eg, Reiter
syndrome, Behçet syndrome) but rarely is observed in acute cystitis.
- The symptoms of dysuria, urgency, hesitancy, polyuria, and incomplete
voids also may be accompanied by urinary incontinence, gross hematuria, and
suprapubic or low back pain.
- The predominant complaints relate to the inflamed bladder mucosa.
Constitutional symptoms, such as fever, nausea, and anorexia, are rare or
mild.
- Unlike urethritis and cystitis, pyelonephritis may present with a
paucity of lower urinary tract symptoms.
- The classic triad of fever, costovertebral angle pain, and nausea and/or
vomiting may be present, though not necessarily occurring together
temporally.
- Hematuria may occur but is more suggestive of nephrolithiasis in the
presence of localizing back or flank pain.
- Fever and vomiting may suggest gastroenteritis. Patients also may
present with right upper quadrant pain radiating to the back, mimicking
cholecystitis or pancreatitis.
- Complicated urinary tract infections
- UTIs associated with calculi may be insidious or asymptomatic. Patients
may present with recurrent UTIs, abdominal pain, fever, gross hematuria,
urinary fistulae, renal failure, or urosepsis.
- Patients with renal corticomedullary abscesses present with chills,
fever, and flank or abdominal pain. Patients may have dysuria and/or
nausea/vomiting. Leukocytosis may be present. Bacteriuria, pyuria, hematuria,
or proteinuria may be present as the intrarenal abscesses drain in the
collecting system, but the urinalysis results may be normal in as many as
30% of patients. Bacteremia may be observed in acute focal or multifocal
bacterial nephritis.
- Patients with perinephric abscesses most commonly present with chills,
fever, flank or abdominal pain, and dysuria. The physical examination is
notable for flank and costovertebral angle tenderness and possibly a
palpable mass.
- Renal cortical abscess patients may present with chills, fever, and
flank or abdominal pain. Patients may present with a flank mass or a bulge
in the lumbar region. Some have abnormal results on lung examination of the
affected side (dullness to percussion, rales). Blood and urine culture
results usually are negative, but the white blood cell count often is
elevated.
- In patients with SCI, signs and symptoms suggestive of a UTI are
malodorous and cloudy urine, muscular spasticity, fatigue, fevers, chills,
and autonomic instability. Patients with lesions above T6 may exhibit
autonomic dysreflexia to noxious stimuli (such as an overdistended bladder).
The sympathetic response below the level of injury is uninhibited, producing
severe vasoconstriction and reflexive bradycardia. If the patient is
febrile, this may appear as a pulse-temperature dissociation.
Physical:
- Abnormal physical examination findings generally are lacking in women
with acute cystitis. Patients may demonstrate some suprapubic tenderness to
palpation.
- The pelvic examination reveals no abnormalities unless another process,
such as vaginitis, is mimicking or occurring simultaneously with cystitis.
- Fever in a young woman with symptoms referable to the urinary tract
supports a diagnosis of pyelonephritis. Unilateral or bilateral
costovertebral angle tenderness may be present.
- A pelvic examination may reveal findings suggestive of pelvic
inflammatory disease, such as cervical motion tenderness or vaginal
discharge.
- The abdominal examination may reveal upper quadrant tenderness, but
peritoneal symptoms should not be present in acute uncomplicated
pyelonephritis.
- Patients with perinephric abscesses most commonly present with fever,
chills, and flank tenderness; they may have a palpable mass.
Causes: E coli causes 70-95% of both upper and
lower UTIs. The remainder of infections is composed of various organisms,
including S saprophyticus, Proteus species, Klebsiella
species, Enterococcus faecalis, other Enterobacteriaceae, and yeast.
Some species are more common in certain subgroups, such as S saprophyticus
in young women.
- Sexual intercourse contributes to increased risk, as does use of a
diaphragm and/or spermicide. Women who are elderly, pregnant, or have
preexisting urinary tract structural abnormalities or obstruction carry a
higher risk of UTI.
- Most complicated UTIs are nosocomial in origin. The most common pathogens
include E coli, enterococci, P aeruginosa, Candida species,
and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
- Calculi related to UTIs most commonly occur in women who experience
recurrent UTIs with Proteus, Pseudomonas, and Providencia
species.
- Perinephric abscesses are associated most commonly with E coli,
Proteus species, and S aureus but also may be secondary to
Enterobacter, Citrobacter, Serratia, Pseudomonas, and Klebsiella
species. More unusual causes include enterococcus, Candida species,
anaerobes, Actinomyces species, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Twenty-five percent of infections are polymicrobial.
- Candiduria is defined as more than 1,000 CFU of yeast from 2 cultures.
Candida albicans, which is germ tube positive, is the usual culprit. Germ
tube¡Vnegative Candida species (tropicalis, parapsilosis, glabrata,
lusitaniae, krusei) are less common.
- Patients with SCI develop UTIs with microorganisms that form dense
biofilms on the bladder wall; thus, these infections are difficult to
eradicate. Organisms that commonly cause infections include Proteus,
Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Serratia, and Providencia species,
along with enterococci and staphylococci. Approximately 70% of infections are
polymicrobial.
|
DIFFERENTIALS |
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Appendicitis
Behcet Disease
Bladder Cancer
Bladder Stones
Bladder Trauma
Chlamydial Genitourinary
Infections
Cholangitis
Cholecystitis
Colovesical Fistula
Common Pregnancy Complaints
and Questions
Cystitis, Nonbacterial
Diverticulitis
Emphysema
Emphysematous
Pyelonephritis
Enterobacter Infections
Enterococcal Infections
Escherichia Coli Infections
Gardnerella
Gastroenteritis, Bacterial
Glomerulonephritis, Acute
Gonococcal Infections
Herpes Simplex
Interstitial Cystitis
Klebsiella Infections
Mycoplasma Infections
Nephrolithiasis
Nephrolithiasis: Acute
Renal Colic
Pancreatitis, Acute
Pneumonia, Bacterial
Pneumonia,
Community-Acquired
Proteus Infections
Providencia Infections
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
Infections
Pyelolithotomy
Pyelonephritis, Acute
Pyelonephritis, Chronic
Pyonephrosis
Renal Cell Carcinoma
Renal Corticomedullary
Abscess
Renal Transplantation
(Medical)
Renal Transplantation
(Urology)
Schistosomiasis
Sepsis, Bacterial
Septic Shock
Serratia
Shock and Pregnancy
Shock, Distributive
Subacute Thyroiditis
Trichomoniasis
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis of the
Genitourinary System
Ureaplasma Infection
Ureteral Injury During
Gynecologic Surgery
Ureteral Stricture
Ureteral Trauma
Ureterocele
Ureterolithotomy
Ureteropelvic Junction
Obstruction
Ureteroscopy
Urethral Prolapse
Urethral Syndrome
Urethritis
Urinary Diversions and
Neobladders
Urinary Tract Infection,
Females
Urinary Tract Infections in
Pregnancy
Urinary Tract Obstruction
[Urologic Imaging without X-rays: Ultrasound, MRI, and Nuclear Medicine]
Urothelial Tumors of the
Renal Pelvis and Ureters
Vaginitis
Vesicoureteral Reflux
Vesicovaginal Fistula
Vesicovaginal and
Ureterovaginal Fistula
Xanthogranulomatous
Pyelonephritis
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Other Problems to be Considered:
Consider any condition involving flank/back pain or abdominal/pelvic pain.
The differential diagnosis for infectious causes of sterile pyuria includes
perinephric abscess, urethral syndrome, renal TB, and fungal infections of the
urinary tract system.
Noninfectious causes of pyuria include uric acid and hypercalcemic nephropathy,
lithium and heavy metal toxicity, sarcoidosis, interstitial cystitis, polycystic
kidney disease, genitourinary malignancy, and renal transplant rejection.
|
WORKUP |
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Lab Studies:
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- In the 1980s, many experts felt that urine cultures were unnecessary in
young women with cystitis complaints because almost all of these were caused
by pan-susceptible isolates of E coli. However, since 1998, resistant
isolates of E coli have emerged (in numbers as high as 20% in some
communities). Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ) resistance has been
associated with concomitant resistance to other antibiotics. Consider
obtaining urine cultures in the new millennium.
- Urine specimens may be obtained by suprapubic aspiration, catheterization,
or midstream clean catch. Bacteriuria, especially with many squamous cells
without pyuria suggests contamination or colonization; some women may need to
be catheterized to obtain a clean specimen. Although midstream urine specimens
have been advocated, one randomized trial showed that the rate of
contamination was not excessive in young women who urinated into a container
without cleansing the perineum or discarding the first urine output.
- Dipstick testing should include glucose, protein, blood, nitrite, and
leukocyte esterase. A microscopic evaluation of the urine sample for white
blood cell (WBC) counts, red blood cell (RBC) counts, and cellular or hyaline
casts should be performed. In the office, a combination of clinical symptoms
with dipstick and microscopic analysis showing pyuria and/or positive
nitrite/leukocyte esterase tests can be used as presumptive evidence of UTI.
- The most accurate method to measure pyuria is counting leukocytes in
unspun fresh urine using a hemocytometer chamber; greater than 10 WBC/mL is
considered abnormal. Counts determined from a wet mount of centrifuged urine
are not reliable measures of pyuria. A noncontaminated specimen is suggested
by a lack of squamous epithelial cells. Pyuria is a sensitive (80-95%) but
nonspecific (50-76%) method of diagnosing UTI.
- White cell casts may be observed in conditions other than infection, and
they may not be observed in all cases of pyelonephritis. If the patient has
evidence of acute infection and white cell casts are present, the infection
likely represents pyelonephritis. A spun sample (5 mL at 2000 revolutions per
min [rpm] for 5 min) is best used for evaluation of cellular casts.
- Leukocyte esterase is a dipstick test that can rapidly screen for pyuria;
it is 57-96% sensitive and 94-98% specific for identifying pyuria.
- Nitrite tests detect the products of nitrate reductase, an enzyme produced
by many bacterial species. These products are not present normally unless a
UTI exists. This test has a sensitivity and specificity of 22% and 94-100%,
respectively. The low sensitivity has been attributed to enzyme-deficient
bacteria causing infection or low-grade bacteriuria.
- Microscopic hematuria is found in about half of cystitis cases; when found
without symptoms or pyuria, it should prompt a search for malignancy. Other
things to be considered in the differential include calculi, vasculitis, renal
TB, or glomerulonephritis. In a developing country, hematuria is suggestive of
schistosomiasis, which can be associated with salmonellosis and squamous cell
malignancies of the bladder. For more information on this interesting topic,
the reader is referred to the article on
Schistosomiasis.
- Proteinuria commonly is observed in infections of the urinary tract, but
the proteinuria usually is low grade. More than 2 grams of protein per 24
hours suggests glomerular disease.
- Urine culture remains the criterion standard for the diagnosis of UTI.
Collected urine should be sent for culture immediately; if not, it should be
refrigerated at 4°C. Two culture techniques (dip slide, agar) are widely used
and accurate. The 1999 Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) consensus
limits for cystitis and pyelonephritis in women are more than 1000 CFU/mL and
more than 10,000 CFU/mL, respectively, for clean-catch midstream urine
specimens. Note that any amount of uropathogen grown in culture from a
suprapubic aspirate should be considered evidence of a UTI. Approximately 40%
of patients with perinephric abscesses have sterile urine cultures.
- If a Gram stain of an uncentrifuged, clean-catch, midstream urine specimen
reveals the presence of 1 bacterium per oil-immersion field, it represents
10,0000 bacteria/mL of urine. A specimen (5 mL) that has been centrifuged for
5 minutes at 2000 rpm and examined under high power after Gram staining will
identify lower numbers. In general, a Gram stain has a sensitivity of 90% and
a specificity of 88%.
- Patients with spinal cord injury
- Diagnosing a UTI in a patient with an SCI is difficult. In these
patients, suprapubic aspiration of the bladder is the criterion standard for
diagnosing a UTI, although it is not performed often in clinical practice.
- All of these patients have some degree of bacteruria, but not all are
actively infected. The diagnosis of significant bacteriuria, per the 1992
consensus statement of the National Institute on Disability and
Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), is any detectable concentration of a
uropathogen collected from a patient with SCI and with an indwelling
catheter. For patients utilizing intermittent catheterization, the
definition of significant bacteriuria is 100 CFU/mL or more.
- The optimal method to diagnose pyuria in a patient with SCI has not been
determined. More than 50 WBC per high-power field (hpf) is a reasonable
indicator of high-level pyuria and has been associated with increased
morbidity.
- Approximately 70% of patients with corticomedullary abscesses have
abnormal urinalysis findings, whereas those with renal cortical abscesses
usually have normal findings. Two thirds of patients with perinephric
abscesses have an abnormal urinalysis.
- The WBC count usually is elevated in patients with complicated UTI. The
WBC count may or may not be elevated in patients with uncomplicated UTI.
Patients with complicated UTIs may have anemia, which is observed in 40% of
patients with perinephric abscesses.
- Some patients have findings of electrolyte abnormalities, and 25% of
patients with perinephric abscesses have azotemia.
- Bacteremia is associated with pyelonephritis, corticomedullary
abscesses, and perinephric abscesses. Approximately 10-40% of patients with
pyelonephritis or perinephric abscesses have positive results on blood
culture. Bacteremia is not necessarily associated with a higher morbidity or
mortality in women with uncomplicated UTI.
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- Cervical swabs may be indicated.
Imaging Studies:
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- No imaging studies are indicated in the routine evaluation of cystitis or
pyelonephritis. Women with acute pyelonephritis should be considered for
imaging if they continue to have symptoms or clinical progression despite
standard antimicrobial therapy for their infection. Complicated UTIs may
require imaging. Options include a simple kidneys, ureter, and bladder (KUB)
radiograph; a renal ultrasound; a CT scan; an MRI; nuclear imaging; and
angiograms. Urologic intervention may be required, including intravenous
pyelograms (IVPs) and ureterograms (ie, retrograde and percutaneous).
- A renal ultrasound is a useful imaging modality in patients with
complicated UTIs, and it may be performed at the bedside in a patient who is
hemodynamically unstable. It is relatively inexpensive, does not involve
radiation, and iodinated contrast is not needed. A renal abscess may appear as
a fluid-filled mass with a thick wall. Acute focal bacterial nephritis appears
as a poorly defined mass with low-amplitude echoes and disruption of the
corticomedullary junction. Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis images reveal
stones in approximately 70% of patients. Ultrasound findings may be falsely
negative in 36% of perinephric abscesses. A drawback to ultrasound is the
difficulty in differentiating renal abscess from tumor; it also is difficult
to interpret in a patient who is obese.
- Renal angiography may help differentiate renal abscess from renal tumor
because an abscess often has increased peripheral vascularization (the
remainder of the mass is avascular).
- Gallium (Ga) scans also may be used in the workup of a complicated UTI.
The patient is injected with a transiently radioactive substance and returns
1-3 days later. The emitted radiation provides an image, which, although it
lacks precise anatomic detail, does provide functional information. A
subtraction technique using Ga citrate and technetium (Tc) glucoheptonate
needs to be performed to differentiate intrarenal abscess from tumor,
obstruction, and severe pyelonephritis.
- An indium-111¡Vlabeled WBC scan can help to diagnose infection in persons
with autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease.
- For complicated UTIs, computed tomography (CT) scans provide the best
definition, and the information is available quickly. Drawbacks to CT scans
include some exposure to irradiation and the need for iodinated contrast.
Abscesses should appear as low-density masses with contrast enhancement of the
wall from inflamed/dilated blood vessels. Acute focal bacterial nephritis has
a lobar distribution of inflammation, wedge-shaped hypodense lesions (postcontrast),
and masslike hypodense lesions in severe infections. Xanthogranulomatous
pyelonephritis may appear as large renal calculi, nonfunctioning kidneys,
contrast enhancement around low attenuation areas, thickening of Gerota
fascia, and spherical areas of low attenuation.
- Patients with spinal cord injuries with more than 2 symptomatic UTIs
within 6 months should be evaluated to rule out high-pressure voiding,
vesicoureteral reflux, and the presence of stones. Evaluations often include
urodynamic studies, nuclear scanning, renal ultrasound, voiding
cystourethrography, abdominal CT scans, IVP, and/or cystoscopy.
Procedures:
¡@
- The consulting urologist may wish to perform an IVP, cystoscopy, or a
ureterogram (either retrograde or percutaneous).
|
TREATMENT |
¡@ |
Medical Care: For adult women with
acute bacterial cystitis who are otherwise healthy and not pregnant, single-dose
therapy generally is less effective than a longer duration of the same
antimicrobial agent. Most antimicrobial agents administered for 3 days are as
effective as the same drug administered for a longer duration, with exceptions
being nitrofurantoin and beta-lactams as a group.
TMP-SMZ for 3 days is considered the current standard therapy for bacterial
cystitis. TMP-SMZ works as well as fluoroquinolones, which are more expensive.
In 1999, to postpone the emergence of quinolone resistance, IDSA guidelines for
UTI did not recommend quinolones as initial empiric therapy, except in
communities with high rates (ie, over 10-20%) of uropathogen resistance to
TMP-SMZ. Quinolones should be used for patients with known TMP-SMZ allergies,
known TMP-SMZ¡Vresistant pathogens, or those failing a TMP-SMZ regimen.
Drug selection could be facilitated if resistance patterns among uropathogens
could be predicted clinically. Studies have compared women with UTI caused by
TMP-resistant bacteria with women with TMP-sensitive isolates. After
multivariate analysis, the strongest risk factor was current or recent use of
TMP-SMZ; current use of any antibiotic, estrogen exposure, diabetes, and recent
hospitalization also were significant. Rates of fecal colonization with TMP-SMZ¡Vresistant
E coli are increased in those who have recently been to Mexico,
children in daycare centers, and in family members of those recently treated for
a UTI.
- Cystitis
¡@
- Cystitis in older women or infection caused by S saprophyticus
is less responsive to 3 days of therapy; therefore, 7 days of therapy is
suggested.
¡@
- Bladder analgesia using phenazopyridine 200 mg tid should be considered
in women with severe dysuria. Duration of therapy should be limited to 2 or
3 days to ensure clinical improvement of symptoms.
- Pyelonephritis
¡@
- Fewer firm data are available on which to base sound treatment
recommendations for pyelonephritis. For young women who are not pregnant
with normal urinary tracts, 14 days of therapy is appropriate.
¡@
- Mild infections can be managed with oral fluoroquinolones or TMP-SMZ.
Women who should be considered for outpatient treatment include those with
mild-to-moderate infection, those with easy access to follow-up
appointments, and women without significant nausea or vomiting.
¡@
- Patients presenting with acute pyelonephritis can be treated with a
single dose of a parenteral antibiotic followed by oral therapy, provided
they are monitored within the first 48 h. A study of febrile, nonpregnant
women presenting with symptoms of acute pyelonephritis found that 25% were
hospitalized. These patients tended to be older and have diabetes, higher
temperatures, and vomiting. Eighty percent of the outpatients were treated
with a single parenteral dose of ceftriaxone or gentamicin, followed by oral
therapy (usually TMP-SMZ). Twelve percent returned with persistent symptoms,
most in the first day; most of these were admitted.
¡@
- Hospitalize patients with more severe infection and treat with a
parenteral fluoroquinolone, an aminoglycoside (with or without ampicillin),
or an extended-spectrum cephalosporin (with or without an aminoglycoside).
Treat gram-positive cocci with ampicillin/sulbactam (with or without an
aminoglycoside).
¡@
- Patients who relapse despite adequate therapy who lack anatomic
abnormalities should be treated for 6 weeks. If a new pathogen causes
infection, then another 2-week course should be effective.
- Urinary tract infections associated with calculi
¡@
- For UTIs associated with calculi, treatment ranges from observation to
nephrectomy.
¡@
- The preferred method of treatment is surgical (see
Surgical Care).
Mere observation is not recommended, as the mortality is 28% versus 7.2% in
the surgically treated group. Antibiotic therapy should be used in
conjunction.
¡@
- Although food and vitamin supplements that are rich in phosphorus and
magnesium are advisable, remember that magnesium (and other divalent cations)
can chelate quinolones, preventing their absorption from the gut.
¡@
- Acidifying agents have been used. Ascorbic acid does not significantly
decrease urinary pH, and ammonium chloride provides only temporary
acidification.
¡@
- Urease inhibitors are effective in reducing stone formation, but
long-term use is fraught with neurosensory, hematologic, and dermatologic
adverse effects.
- Renal carbuncles
¡@
- For renal carbuncles, surgical drainage once was the only treatment.
However, modern antibiotics alone often are curative. A semisynthetic
penicillin, cephalosporin, quinolone, or vancomycin is recommended.
¡@
- Generally, parenteral antibiotics should be administered for 10-14 days,
followed by oral therapy for 2-4 weeks. Fever should resolve within 5-6 days
and pain within 24 hours.
¡@
- If patients do not respond within 48 hours, percutaneous (or open)
drainage should be performed.
- Acute, focal, and multifocal bacterial nephritis
¡@
- Acute, focal, and multifocal bacterial nephritis should respond to
antibiotics within 1 week. An extended-spectrum penicillin, cephalosporin,
or quinolone should be used. A beta-lactam and an aminoglycoside also may be
considered.
¡@
- Parenteral therapy should be used first, followed by at least 2 weeks of
oral therapy. Those with large abscesses (ie, >5 cm), obstructive uropathy,
advanced age, and urosepsis may not respond to antimicrobial therapy alone
and require percutaneous drainage.
¡@
- Patients with severely damaged renal parenchyma, xanthogranulomatous
pyelonephritis, or patients who are elderly and have sepsis may require
nephrectomy.
- Perinephric abscesses
¡@
- Perinephric abscesses are associated with a high mortality rate (ie,
20-50%) and require percutaneous or surgical drainage and antibiotics.
¡@
- An aminoglycoside and an antistaphylococcal penicillin should be used.
An extended-spectrum beta-lactam also may be used.
¡@
- Antibiotics should be modified based on culture results.
¡@
- Spinal cord injury and urinary tract infections
¡@
- Antibiotics should be reserved for patients with clear signs and
symptoms of UTI.
¡@
- Oral fluoroquinolones are the drugs of choice for empiric treatment of
acute UTIs.
¡@
- Options for hospitalized patients include parenteral fluoroquinolones,
ampicillin and gentamicin, imipenem plus cilastatin, third-generation
cephalosporins, beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations, or the
aminoglycosides.
¡@
- Duration of therapy generally is 7-14 days, but 4-5 days may be
acceptable for patients who are mildly symptomatic and who are closely
monitored.
¡@
- If a patient fails to respond, then another culture should be obtained
and an imaging study should be considered to rule out persistent infection,
stone disease, and anatomic abnormalities causing obstruction.
¡@
- Treatment of asymptomatic patients is more controversial. While urine
cultures with low bacterial counts often become sterile without treatment,
some patients with ASB develop chronic infections secondary to bacterial
biofilms. Some suggest that first episodes of ASB should be treated if
significant bacteriuria (ie, more than 10,000 CFU/mL) is accompanied by
pyuria (ie, more than 8-10 leukocytes/hpf).
Surgical Care:
- Urinary tract infections associated with infected calculi
- Treatment ranges from observation to nephrectomy. Hydronephrosis is a
concern .
- Surgical options include extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL),
endoscopic methods, percutaneous methods, or open surgery.
- Mere observation is not recommended; the mortality associated with
observation is 28%, versus 7.2% in the surgically treated group. Appropriate
antibiotic therapy should be used as well.
Consultations: A pharmacokinetics consultation is suggested
when using aminoglycosides or vancomycin. Urologic consultation is essential in
patients with complicated UTIs. Other consultations depend on the patient's
underlying state of health and may include an obstetrician, gynecologist,
endocrinologist, nephrologist, neurologist, and neurosurgeon. Infectious disease
input is essential for unusual or resistant pathogens or hosts who are
immunocompromised. Consultation with the patient's primary care provider is
suggested.
Diet:
- Hydration to accentuate unidirectional clearance of bacteruria is
recommended, especially if an obstruction was relieved recently. Drinking
cranberry juice (10 oz/d) may offer some benefit and does not appear to be
harmful. One recent study found less recurrence of UTIs in women who drank 50
cc of cranberry-lingonberry concentrate daily for 6 months. The mechanism of
action of cranberry juice is not clear. It is bacteriostatic, an effect
probably due to hippuric acid. Another mechanism may involve suppression of
E coli fimbriae by proanthocyanidins (tannins). Ascorbic acid
(vitamin C) does not cause significant urinary acidification.
- For complicated UTIs associated with struvite calculi, foods and vitamin
supplements rich in phosphorus and magnesium are advised.
- Remember that divalent cations (eg, magnesium, iron, calcium, zinc) can
chelate oral fluoroquinolones, preventing their absorption from the gut.
Activity: Please see
Deterrence/Prevention for a discussion on sexual activities and recurrent
UTIs in women.
|
MEDICATION |
¡@ |
The goals of pharmacotherapy are to eradicate the
infection, reduce morbidity, and prevent complications.
¡@
Drug Category: Antibiotics -- Empiric
antimicrobial therapy should cover all likely pathogens in the context of this
clinical setting. The prolonged or repeated use of antibiotics may result in
fungal or bacterial overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, superinfections, or
infections with C difficile.
Antibiotics sometimes are used in combination. Sometimes these combinations
work against each other (ie, are antagonistic); examples would include beta-lactams
(such as penicillin) and tetracyclines. Antagonism is defined as at least a 99%
decrease in killing by the combination (when compared with the most active
antimicrobial alone).
Synergism is when a combination of antibiotics has a significantly greater
effect than would be expected from the sum of the separate drugs (ie, over a 99%
increase in killing). Aminoglycosides and either beta-lactams or vancomycin are
considered synergistic combinations. Because no single drug is considered
bactericidal for the enterococcus, some might prefer to use synergistic
combinations when treating enterococcal UTIs.
The techniques used to generate data regarding synergy and antagonism are
laborious and should generally be performed only in a research laboratory.
Drug Name
¡@ |
Trimethoprim (Proloprim, Trimpex) --
Inhibits bacterial growth by inhibiting synthesis of dihydrofolic acid.
Active in vitro against a broad range of gram-positive and gram-negative
bacteria, including uropathogens, such as Enterobacteriaceae and S
saprophyticus. Resistance usually is mediated by decreased cell
permeability or alterations in the amount or structure of dihydrofolate
reductase. Demonstrates synergy with the sulfonamides, potentiating the
inhibition of bacterial tetrahydrofolate production. |
Adult Dose |
100-200 mg PO q12h |
Pediatric Dose |
Not established |
Contraindications |
Documented hypersensitivity |
Interactions |
Increases effect of phenytoin and
rifampin; impairs excretion of creatinine (when present with cyclosporine)
and methotrexate |
Pregnancy |
C - Safety for use during pregnancy has
not been established. |
Precautions |
Discontinue at first appearance of skin
rash or sign of adverse reaction; monitor CBCs; discontinue therapy if
significant hematologic changes occur; high doses may cause bone marrow
depression (if signs occur, administer 5-15 mg/d leucovorin); caution in
folate deficiency (eg, patients with long-term alcoholism, elderly people,
those receiving anticonvulsant therapy, those with malabsorption syndrome);
hemolysis may occur in individuals who are G-6-PD deficient; caution in
renal or hepatic impairment (perform urinalysis and renal function tests
during therapy); administer fluids to prevent crystalluria and stone
formation; adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, hypersensitivity
reactions with morbilliform rash (especially in patients with AIDS), and
diarrhea; less common adverse effects include marrow suppression, renal
dysfunction, hepatitis, and aseptic meningitis |
Drug Name
¡@ |
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim,
Bactrim DS, Septra, Septra DS, Cotrim) -- TMP-SMZ has been given an "A, I"
rating in the 1999 IDSA guidelines for treating UTIs. Combination
antimicrobial designed to take advantage of the synergy between TMP and
sulfonamides. Inhibits dihydropteroate synthetase, preventing the
incorporation of para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) into dihydrofolate
and subsequent synthesis of tetrahydrofolate. TMP-SMZ activity includes
common urinary tract pathogens, both aerobic gram-positive and gram-negative
bacteria, except P aeruginosa. |
Adult Dose |
Traditional dosing: 160 mg TMP/800 mg
SMZ PO q12h for 10-14 d
Parenteral dose: 4-5 mg/kg TMP with 20-25 mg/kg SMZ q12h
Dosage adjustment is recommended for impaired CrCl (<30 mL/min)
|
Pediatric Dose |
8-12 mg/kg TMP component, divided bid
|
Contraindications |
Documented hypersensitivity;
megaloblastic anemia due to folate deficiency; risk/benefit assessment
should be considered in patients with G6PD deficiency, blood dyscrasias,
folate deficiency, porphyria, hepatic or renal impairment |
Interactions |
May increase PT when used with warfarin
(perform coagulation tests and adjust dose accordingly); coadministration
with dapsone may increase blood levels of both drugs; coadministration of
diuretics increases incidence of thrombocytopenia purpura in elderly
persons; phenytoin levels may increase with coadministration; may potentiate
effects of methotrexate in bone marrow depression; coadministration with
sulfonylureas may increase hypoglycemic response to sulfonylureas |
Pregnancy |
C - Safety for use during pregnancy has
not been established. |
Precautions |
Discontinue at first appearance of skin
rash or sign of adverse reaction; monitor CBCs; discontinue therapy if
significant hematologic changes occur; goiter, diuresis, and hypoglycemia
may occur with sulfonamides; prolonged IV infusions or high doses may cause
bone marrow depression (if signs occur, administer 5-15 mg/d leucovorin);
caution in folate deficiency (eg, people with long-term alcoholism, elderly
people, those receiving anticonvulsant therapy, those with malabsorption
syndrome); hemolysis may occur in individuals who are G-6-PD deficient;
patients with AIDS may not tolerate or respond to TMP/SMZ; caution in renal
or hepatic impairment (perform urinalyses and renal function tests during
therapy); administer fluids to prevent crystalluria and stone formation |
Drug Name
¡@ |
Ampicillin (Omnipen, Principen,
Totacillin, Polycillin) -- Impairs cell wall synthesis in actively dividing
bacteria; binds to and inhibits penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs).
Activity against anaerobes and gram-negative aerobes. Generally used in
combination with an aminoglycoside for empiric or directed activity against
E faecalis.
Beta-lactams, in general, have been given an "E, I" rating in the 1999 IDSA
guidelines for treating UTIs. Beta-lactams are less effective because they
are excreted rapidly in the urine and do little to alter the GI/GU reservoir
of bacteria.
|
Adult Dose |
Ampicillin trihydrate: 500 mg PO q6h
Ampicillin: 150-200 mg/kg IV divided q4-6h (approximately 1g q6h)
|
Pediatric Dose |
<28 days: Not recommended
>28 days: 50 mg/kg PO/IV q6h
|
Contraindications |
Documented hypersensitivity |
Interactions |
Decreased bioavailability of atenolol;
altered response to coumarin derivatives; probenecid and disulfiram elevate
ampicillin levels; allopurinol decreases ampicillin effects and has additive
effects on ampicillin rash; may decrease effects of oral contraceptives |
Pregnancy |
B - Usually safe but benefits must
outweigh the risks. |
Precautions |
Adjust dose in renal failure; avoid use
in known infectious mononucleosis because a maculopapular rash will occur in
>95% of cases and may be confused with hypersensitivity; not to be used
alone for the treatment of UTIs because resistance is common; if used for
cystitis, 7 d (not 3) must be prescribed |
Drug Name
¡@ |
Amoxicillin (Trimox, Amoxil, Biomox) --
Interferes with synthesis of cell wall mucopeptides during active
multiplication, resulting in bactericidal activity against susceptible
bacteria. |
Adult Dose |
250-500 mg PO q8h; not to exceed 3 g/d
|
Pediatric Dose |
20-50 mg/kg/d PO divided q8h |
Contraindications |
Documented hypersensitivity |
Interactions |
Reduces the efficacy of oral
contraceptives |
Pregnancy |
B - Usually safe but benefits must
outweigh the risks. |
Precautions |
Adjust dose in renal impairment; may
enhance chance of candidiasis |
Drug Name
¡@ |
Gentamicin (Garamycin, Gentacidin) --
Bactericidal aminoglycoside antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein
synthesis. Activity against various aerobic gram-negative bacteria, as well
as E faecalis and staphylococcal species. Most commonly used with
or without ampicillin to treat acute pyelonephritis in the hospitalized
patient when Enterococcus species are a concern. Only
aminoglycoside with appreciable activity against gram-positive organisms.
Requires dosing adjustment based on CrCl; IBW should be used for the
calculation (the drug is not fat soluble). Trough serum levels should be
monitored to ensure adequate clearance and reduce toxicity (<2 mcg/mL). Peak
levels should also be monitored (may draw 0.5 h after 30-min infusion) after
4-5 half-lives when dosed more than once daily (levels should not exceed 12
mcg/mL for prolonged periods).
Daily dosing is not appropriate for treating gram-positive infections
because the drug exhibits no appreciable postantibiotic effect with these
organisms.
|
Adult Dose |
3-5 mg/kg IV qd
1 mg/kg IV q8h
|
Pediatric Dose |
<28 days: Not recommended
>28 days: 2.5 mg/kg IV q8h
|
Contraindications |
Documented hypersensitivity; non–dialysis-dependent
renal insufficiency |
Interactions |
Coadministration with other
aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, penicillins, and amphotericin B may
increase nephrotoxicity; aminoglycosides enhance effects of neuromuscular
blocking agents, thus prolonged respiratory depression may occur;
coadministration with loop diuretics may increase auditory toxicity of
aminoglycosides; irreversible CN 8 dysfunction may occur (monitoring may
minimize) |
Pregnancy |
C - Safety for use during pregnancy has
not been established. |
Precautions |
Narrow therapeutic index (not intended
for long-term therapy); caution in renal failure (not on dialysis),
myasthenia gravis, hypocalcemia, and conditions that depress neuromuscular
transmission; adjust dose in renal impairment |
Drug Name
¡@ |
Cefixime (Suprax) -- Third-generation
oral cephalosporin with broad activity against gram-negative bacteria,
including Enterobacteriaceae, by inhibiting cell wall synthesis.
Has shown poor activity against staphylococcal and enterococcal species.
Cefixime compared favorably to a quinolone in one study. |
Adult Dose |
400 mg PO qd |
Pediatric Dose |
8 mg/kg PO qd |
Contraindications |
Documented hypersensitivity |
Interactions |
Coadministration of aminoglycosides
increases nephrotoxicity; probenecid may increase effects of cefixime; may
decrease effectiveness of oral contraceptives |
Pregnancy |
B - Usually safe but benefits must
outweigh the risks. |
Precautions |
Adjust dose in severe renal
insufficiency (high doses may cause CNS toxicity); superinfections, and
promotion of nonsusceptible organisms may occur with prolonged use or
repeated therapy; may increase risk for C difficile infection;
expensive but tolerated well by patients |
Drug Name
¡@ |
Cefpodoxime proxetil (Vantin) --
Extended-spectrum oral cephalosporin with bactericidal activity against
gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including S aureus (not
MRSA) and S saprophyticus. Active agent in vivo is cefpodoxime.
Beta-lactams, in general, have been given an "E, I" rating in the 1999 IDSA
guidelines for treating UTIs. |
Adult Dose |
Acute cystitis: 100 mg PO q12h
Acute pyelonephritis: 200 mg PO q12h
|
Pediatric Dose |
10 mg/kg PO divided bid; not to exceed
400 mg/d |
Contraindications |
Documented hypersensitivity |
Interactions |
Decreased effect with antacids and
H2-receptor antagonists; increased effect with probenecid |
Pregnancy |
B - Usually safe but benefits must
outweigh the risks. |
Precautions |
Adjust dose in severe renal
insufficiency (high doses may cause CNS toxicity); superinfections and
promotion of nonsusceptible organisms may occur with prolonged use or
repeated therapy |
Drug Name
¡@ |
Nitrofurantoin (Furadantin, Macrobid,
Macrodantin) -- Synthetic nitrofuran that interferes with bacterial
carbohydrate metabolism by inhibiting acetylcoenzyme A. Bacteriostatic at
low concentrations (5-10 mcg/mL) and bactericidal at higher concentrations.
Bactericidal against uropathogens such as S saprophyticus, E faecalis,
and E coli; possesses no activity against Proteus, Serratia,
or Pseudomonas species. Received a "B, I" rating in the 1999 IDSA
guidelines for treating UTIs. Manufactured in different forms to facilitate
durable urine concentrations: macrocrystals (Macrodantin), microcrystal
suspension (Furadantin), and a combined preparation (Macrobid). Achieves no
appreciable concentrations in the prostate, kidney, or blood. |
Adult Dose |
Nitrofurantoin monohydrate/macrocrystals
(Macrobid): 100 mg PO bid
Nitrofurantoin macrocrystals (Macrodantin): 50-100 mg PO qid
|
Pediatric Dose |
Not established |
Contraindications |
Documented hypersensitivity; renal
insufficiency (<60 mL/min CrCl); anuria or oliguria; at term in pregnant
women due to risk of acute hemolysis in newborn with G-6-PD deficiency (it
can displace bilirubin) |
Interactions |
Anticholinergics may delay gastric
emptying and increase absorption, increasing bioavailability; antacids made
of magnesium salts may decrease absorption; high doses of probenecid
concurrently with nitrofurantoin decreases renal clearance; may decrease
efficacy of quinolones |
Pregnancy |
B - Usually safe but benefits must
outweigh the risks. |
Precautions |
Nitrofurantoin may cause severe and
irreversible peripheral neuropathy; renal impairment, diabetes, electrolyte
imbalance, anemia, and vitamin B deficiency increase risk for adverse
effects; pulmonary hypersensitivity syndromes (ie, acute, subacute, chronic)
can occur and are more common in patients who have been sensitized to
nitrofurantoin through prior use; acute reactions (eg, fever, dyspnea,
eosinophilia, pulmonary infiltrates) usually occur in the first 12 h in
sensitized patients or within 3 wk in newly exposed patients; subacute
reactions occur after longer exposures (>1 mo), and chronic reactions occur
after 6 mo; reactions usually resolve after discontinuation of the drug;
treatment with steroids may be useful; chronic syndrome may result in
permanent pulmonary dysfunction |
Drug Name
¡@ |
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) -- Quinolone.
Antimicrobial activity based on ability to inhibit bacterial DNA gyrase and
topoisomerases, which are required for replication, transcription, and
translation of genetic material. Quinolones have broad activity against
gram-positive and gram-negative aerobic organisms. Differences in chemical
structure between quinolones have resulted in altered levels of activity
against different bacteria. Ciprofloxacin has greatest antimicrobial
activity against P aeruginosa. Altered chemistry structures result
in toxicity differences as well. Quinolones have been given an "A, I" or "A,
II" rating in the 1999 IDSA guidelines for treating UTIs. |
Adult Dose |
Cystitis:
250 mg PO bid
Pyelonephritis:
500-750 mg PO bid
200-400 mg IV q12h
|
Pediatric Dose |
<18 years: Not recommended
>18 years: Administer as in adults
|
Contraindications |
Documented hypersensitivity |
Interactions |
Antacids, iron salts, and zinc salts
may reduce oral absorption; administer antacids 2-4 h before or after taking
fluoroquinolones; cimetidine may interfere with metabolism of
fluoroquinolones; quinolones may reduce therapeutic effects of phenytoin;
probenecid may increase serum concentrations of quinolones; ciprofloxacin
may increase toxicity of theophylline, caffeine, cyclosporine, and digoxin
(monitor levels); may increase effects of anticoagulants (monitor PT) |
Pregnancy |
C - Safety for use during pregnancy has
not been established. |
Precautions |
Associated with a variety of CNS
manifestations such as hallucinations and seizures; factors that increase
risk of adverse effects should be noted when considering use; IV solution of
ciprofloxacin should be administered by slow infusion over 60 min to reduce
risk of phlebitis |
Drug Name
¡@ |
Fosfomycin (Monurol) -- Given a "B, I"
rating in the 1999 IDSA guidelines for treating UTIs. Phosphonic acid is a
bactericidal agent, active against most UTI pathogens, including E coli
and Enterobacter, Klebsiella, and Enterococcus species.
Little cross-resistance between fosfomycin and other antibacterial agents
exists. Primarily excreted unchanged in the urine, and concentrations remain
high for 24-48 h after a single dose. It is unique, but quite expensive.
|
Adult Dose |
3 g PO in 4 oz of water as a single
dose |
Pediatric Dose |
Not established |
Contraindications |
Documented hypersensitivity |
Interactions |
Food and antacids decrease absorption
|
Pregnancy |
B - Usually safe but benefits must
outweigh the risks. |
Precautions |
Adverse effects include diarrhea,
vaginitis, and nausea |
Drug Name
¡@ |
Ofloxacin (Floxin) -- Quinolone.
Antimicrobial activity based on ability to inhibit bacterial DNA gyrase and
topoisomerases, which are required for replication, transcription, and
translation of genetic material. Quinolones have broad activity against
gram-positive and gram-negative aerobic organisms. Differences in chemical
structure between quinolones have resulted in altered levels of activity
against different bacteria. Altered chemical structure results in toxicity
differences as well. Quinolones have been given an "A, I" or "A, II" rating
in the 1999 IDSA guidelines for treating UTIs. |
Adult Dose |
200-400 mg PO bid
200-400 mg IV q12h
|
Pediatric Dose |
<18 years: Not recommended
>18 years: Administer as in adults
|
Contraindications |
Documented hypersensitivity |
Interactions |
Antacids, iron salts, and zinc salts
may reduce oral absorption; administer antacids 2-4 h before or after taking
fluoroquinolones; cimetidine may interfere with metabolism of
fluoroquinolones; quinolones may reduce therapeutic effects of phenytoin;
probenecid may increase serum concentrations of quinolones; may increase
toxicity of caffeine, cyclosporine, and digoxin (monitor levels); may
increase effects of anticoagulants (monitor PT) |
Pregnancy |
C - Safety for use during pregnancy has
not been established. |
Precautions |
Quinolones increase risk of
pseudomembranous colitis caused by C difficile; may cause severe
photosensitivity reactions in patients exposed to sunlight or UV light; have
been associated with a variety of CNS manifestations such as hallucinations
and seizures; factors that increase risk of adverse effects should be noted
when considering use of any quinolone |
Drug Name
¡@ |
Levofloxacin (Levaquin) -- Quinolone.
Antimicrobial activity based on ability to inhibit bacterial DNA gyrase and
topoisomerases, which are required for replication, transcription, and
translation of genetic material. Quinolones have broad activity against
gram-positive and gram-negative aerobic organisms. Differences in chemical
structure between quinolones have resulted in altered levels of activity
against different bacteria. Altered chemical structure results in toxicity
differences as well. Quinolones have been given an "A, I" or "A, II" rating
in the 1999 IDSA guidelines for treating UTIs. |
Adult Dose |
250-500 mg PO/IV qd |
Pediatric Dose |
<18 years: Not recommended
>18 years: Administer as in adults
|
Contraindications |
Documented hypersensitivity |
Interactions |
Antacids, iron salts, and zinc salts
may reduce oral absorption; administer antacids 2-4 h before or after taking
fluoroquinolones; cimetidine may interfere with metabolism of
fluoroquinolones; quinolones may reduce therapeutic effects of phenytoin;
probenecid may increase serum concentrations of quinolones; may increase
toxicity of caffeine, cyclosporine, and digoxin (monitor levels); may
increase effects of anticoagulants (monitor PT) |
Pregnancy |
C - Safety for use during pregnancy has
not been established. |
Precautions |
None |
Drug Name
¡@ |
Gatifloxacin (Tequin) -- Quinolone.
Antimicrobial activity based on ability to inhibit bacterial DNA gyrase and
topoisomerases, which are required for replication, transcription, and
translation of genetic material. Quinolones have broad activity against
gram-positive and gram-negative aerobic organisms. Differences in chemical
structure between quinolones have resulted in altered levels of activity
against different bacteria. Altered chemical structure results in toxicity
differences as well. Quinolones have been given an "A, I" or "A, II" rating
in the 1999 IDSA guidelines for treating UTIs. |
Adult Dose |
200-400 mg PO/IV qd |
Pediatric Dose |
<18 years: Not recommended
>18 years: Administer as in adults
|
Contraindications |
Documented hypersensitivity |
Interactions |
Antacids, iron salts, and zinc salts
may reduce oral absorption; administer antacids 2-4 h before or after taking
fluoroquinolones; cimetidine may interfere with metabolism of
fluoroquinolones; quinolones may reduce therapeutic effects of phenytoin;
probenecid may increase serum concentrations of quinolones; may increase
toxicity of theophylline, caffeine, cyclosporine, and digoxin (monitor
levels); may increase effects of anticoagulants (monitor PT) |
Pregnancy |
C - Safety for use during pregnancy has
not been established. |
Precautions |
None |
Drug Name
¡@ |
Ertapenem (Invanz) -- Bactericidal
activity results from inhibition of cell wall synthesis and is mediated
through ertapenem binding to penicillin binding proteins. Stable against
hydrolysis by a variety of beta-lactamases including penicillinases,
cephalosporinases, and extended spectrum beta-lactamases. Hydrolyzed by
metallo-beta-lactamases. |
Adult Dose |
1 g qd for 14 d if given IV and 7 d if
given IM; infuse over 30 min if given IV |
Pediatric Dose |
Not established |
Contraindications |
Documented hypersensitivity to drug or
amide type anesthetics |
Interactions |
Probenecid may reduce renal clearance
of ertapenem and increase half-life but benefit is minimum and does not
justify coadministration |
Pregnancy |
B - Usually safe but benefits must
outweigh the risks. |
Precautions |
Pseudomembranous colitis may occur;
seizures and CNS adverse reactions may occur; when using with lidocaine to
administer intramuscularly, avoid inadvertent injection into blood vessel |
|
FOLLOW-UP |
¡@ |
Deterrence/Prevention:
¡@
- Women who develop a UTI within 2 weeks of a treated UTI either have a
new infection or they have a recurrence of the original uropathogen. The
latter is supported by cultures growing the same species, especially if it
is biotyped or shares the same antimicrobial sensitivities.
¡@
- Looking for a source of persistent infection, such as a structural
abnormality (eg, calculus, abscess, cystic disease) is prudent.
- Women with recurrent UTIs (less than 2-3 per y) may benefit from
behavioral modification and a program of self-initiated antibiotics.
- Behavioral modifications are generally easy, low-risk, and low-cost
maneuvers. Methods include urge-initiated voiding, postcoital voiding,
increased fluid intake, and the daily consumption of cranberry juice.
¡@
- Patients using a spermicide should consider alternative methods of
contraception.
¡@
- Self-initiated antibiotics may be an acceptable alternative for women
with recurrent UTIs. The clinician should educate the patient about the
warning signs of a persistent or worsening infection despite therapy. A
recent study showed that women with a history of at least 2 UTIs in the past
year were capable of self-diagnosing and treating UTIs. Uropathogens were
isolated in 84% of 172 UTIs; clinical and microbiologic cures were achieved
in about 95% of episodes.
- Women with recurrent UTIs (more than 3 per y) should be considered for
more aggressive prophylactic regimens in addition to the behavioral
modifications.
- Women who associate their recurrent UTIs with sexual intercourse should
be offered postcoital prophylaxis. This involves taking a single dose of an
effective antimicrobial (eg, nitrofurantoin 50 mg, TMP-SMZ 40/200 mg, or
cephalexin 500 mg) after sexual intercourse.
¡@
- Continuous antimicrobial prophylaxis may be required in women who fail a
postcoital regimen, do not associate frequent UTIs with a modifiable cause,
or who are at risk for recurrent complicated UTIs. Regimens include TMP-SMZ
(40/200 mg qhs or 3 times per wk), nitrofurantoin (50-100 mg qhs or 3 times
per wk), norfloxacin (200 mg qhs or 3 times per wk), and trimethoprim (100
mg qhs or 3 times per wk).
¡@
- These regimens have been shown to be safe and effective, even after 5
years of use. However, after 6-12 months, a trial without the medication is
warranted because as many as 30% of women experience a prolonged UTI-free
period. Prophylaxis may be reinstituted if the patient again develops
recurrent UTIs.
- Women who are postmenopausal with recurrent UTIs may benefit from estrogen
replacement, either systemically or locally. Estriol in a vaginal cream (0.5
mg every pm for 2 wk, then twice weekly) significantly reduced the incidence
of recurrent UTI; the effect probably is related to the restoration of
lactobacilli, which replace Enterobacteriaceae and decrease the vaginal pH.
¡@
- For patients with SCI, the efficacy of prophylaxis with TMP-SMZ or
nitrofurantoin has been demonstrated. The possibility of developing resistant
organisms is a concern, especially in an institutional setting.
- One option includes the use of methenamine (1 g tid), alternating q2mo
with nitrofurantoin (50-100 mg bid). Methenamine is converted into formic
acid, which is bacteriocidal. Oral ascorbic acid therapy has not been shown
to confer much benefit.
¡@
- Risk can be decreased by the use of intermittent catheterization. Urine
cultures should be obtained periodically, and prophylactic or long-term
antibiotic therapy may be considered if over 10,000 CFU/mL and pyuria are
noted (even in the absence of symptoms).
¡@
- Reflex bladder pressures greater than 50 cm H2O should be avoided
through the use of alpha-blockers, anticholinergics, transurethral
sphincterotomy, or electrical stimulation.
¡@
- Using a 6% bleach solution to clean reusable leg bags and seat covers
decreases the rates of infection and ASB.
- Neither cefuroxime nor ciprofloxacin was shown to reduce the rate of
bacteriuria (about 20%) after lithotripsy.
¡@
- The American Heart Association recommends antimicrobial prophylaxis to
prevent bacterial endocarditis in patients with moderate-to-high¡Vrisk cardiac
conditions. High-risk conditions include prosthetic valves, previous bacterial
endocarditis, complex cyanotic congenital heart diseases, and surgically
constructed systemic pulmonic shunts. Moderate-risk conditions include most
other congenital heart diseases, hypertrophic cardiac myopathy, and mitral
prolapse with regurgitation. For patients with moderate- or high-risk cardiac
conditions, urologic procedures warranting prophylaxis include cystoscopy and
urethral dilatation; prophylaxis is not recommended for inserting a Foley
catheter in a patient with uninfected urine. No good evidence supports using
such regimens for prophylaxis for patients with prosthetic joints; this is an
area that needs further research and study.
- Regimens for high-risk patients include ampicillin (or vancomycin) plus
gentamicin. Ampicillin is administered as 2000 mg IM or IV within 30 minutes
of starting the procedure; 6 hours later, 1000 mg of ampicillin (or
amoxicillin PO) is administered once. Gentamicin is dosed at 1.5 mg/kg IV or
IM (not to exceed 120 mg) and is administered only once with the first dose
of ampicillin. For patients allergic to ampicillin, 1000 mg of vancomycin is
administered only once, IV over 1-2 hours; it should be completed within 30
minutes of starting the procedure.
¡@
- Regimens for moderate-risk patients include amoxicillin or vancomycin.
Amoxicillin is administered only once as 2000 mg PO 1 hour before the
procedure. For patients allergic to amoxicillin, 1000 mg of vancomycin is
administered only once, IV over 1-2 hours; it should be completed within 30
minutes of starting the procedure.
Complications:
¡@
- Bacteremia, sepsis, shock, and death have all been discussed.
Prognosis:
¡@
- The prognosis for most women with cystitis and pyelonephritis is good;
about 25% of women with cystitis will experience a recurrence.
- The prognosis for emphysematous pyelonephritis is not as good and will be
discussed in
Special Concerns.
- Infected cysts in polycystic kidney disease respond to treatment slowly.
Patient Education:
¡@
- Good oral fluid intake should be encouraged; cranberry juice has been
discussed, as well as behavior modification and modification of sexual
activity.
|
MISCELLANEOUS |
¡@ |
Medical/Legal Pitfalls:
¡@
- Many lawsuits arise from the complications of long-term aminoglycosides,
especially irreversible cranial nerve (CN) VIII damage (hearing loss and
vestibular dysfunction).
- Risk factors appear to be prolonged use (>2 wk), high serum troughs
(>2.0), advanced age, baseline renal insufficiency, concomitant conditions
(such as diabetes mellitus), and concomitant nephrotoxic drugs (such as
amphotericin-B). Fortunately, most aminoglycoside use in treating serious
UTIs is limited to less than 1 week. Unfortunately, monitoring for CN VIII
dysfunction is less than optimal; by the time it is detectable (even
subclinically, by weekly audiograms and/or ENGs), the damage has occurred
and is irreversible. This is because of differences in half-lives between
serum, and the endolymph and perilymph that bathe the inner ear.
- However, monitoring will allow damage to be minimized; recall that the
auditory and vestibular systems function independently, and, therefore,
consider monitoring each. Animal models suggest that doses administered at
night or to a fasting or dehydrated patient may be more ototoxic. The
possibly protective roles of calcium and calcium channel blockers await
further study.
- The differential diagnosis of many complicated UTIs is broad and includes
some potentially disastrous causes of the acute abdomen. Lawsuits may be filed
for missing a diagnosis of pyelonephritis, resulting in sepsis or death as an
outcome. UTIs in pregnancy have potentially adverse outcomes for both the
mother and the fetus. Good communication with patients and their families is
essential.
¡@
Special Concerns:
¡@
- Nosocomial infections develop in about 5% of patients admitted to
hospitals, and UTIs account for 40% of these infections. Two to 4% of these
patients become bacteremic, with a mortality rate of 12.5%.
¡@
- Once a catheter is placed, the daily incidence of bacteriuria is 3-10%.
Ten to 30% of patients with short-term catheterization (ie, 2-4 d) develop
bacteriuria and are asymptomatic. Ninety to 100% of patients with long-term
catheterizations develop bacteriuria.
¡@
- Pathogenesis: The presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria and an
indwelling catheter predisposes to the development of a nosocomial UTI. The
bacteria may gain entry into the bladder during insertion of the catheter,
during manipulation of the catheter/drainage system, around the catheter,
and after removal. Enteric pathogens are responsible most commonly, but
Pseudomonas species, Enterococcus species, S aureus,
coagulase-negative staphylococcus, Enterobacter species, and yeast
also are known to cause infection. Proteus and Pseudomonas
species are the organisms most commonly associated with biofilm growth on
catheters.
¡@
- Risk factors: The most important risk factor for bacteriuria is the
presence of a catheter. Eighty percent of infections are related to a
catheter while 5-10% are related to genitourinary manipulation. Catheters
inoculate organisms into the bladder and promote colonization by providing a
surface for bacterial adhesion and causing mucosal irritation. Risk factors
for bacteriuria in patients who are catheterized include longer duration of
catheterization, colonization of the drainage bag, diarrhea, diabetes,
absence of antibiotics, female gender, renal insufficiency, errors in
catheter care, catheterization late in the hospital course, and
immunocompromised or debilitated states.
¡@
- Diagnosis: Symptoms generally are nonspecific; most patients present
with fever and leukocytosis. Significant pyuria generally is represented by
greater than 50 WBC/hpf. Colony counts on a urine culture range from
100-10,000. Infections may be polymicrobial.
¡@
- Prevention
¡@
- At least nine steps can be taken to prevent catheter-associated UTIs.
These steps can postpone a UTI for weeks but are not likely to be
successful in chronically catheterized patients. Catheterization should be
avoided when not required (catheters were found to be unnecessary in
41-58% of patient-days) and should be terminated as soon as possible.
Suprapubic catheters are associated with a lower risk of UTI. Patients who
require long-term catheterization are more satisfied, but mechanical
complications are increased. Contraindications include bleeding disorders,
previous lower abdominal surgery or irradiation, and morbid obesity.
Intermittent catheterization is an option, but most become bacteriuric
within a few weeks as the incidence is 1-3% per insertion.
¡@
- Aseptic indwelling catheter insertion and a properly maintained
closed-drainage system are essential. Urinary catheters coated with silver
also reduce the risk (silver alloy seems to be more effective than silver
oxide). Another approach is the Bard Lubricath, which has a hydrophilic
coating that decreases tissue irritation and nosocomial UTIs. It is
reasonable to use these more expensive catheters in those who are at
highest risk.
¡@
- Receiving systemic antimicrobial drug therapy has been shown
repeatedly to lower the risk for developing a UTI in catheterized
patients; most benefit was observed in those catheterized for 3-14 days.
Most hospitalized patients already are receiving antibiotics for other
reasons. Disadvantages include creating resistant organisms. Because many
of these infections occur in clusters, good handwashing before and after
catheter care is essential.
¡@
- Treatment: Removal of the catheter is adequate in some patients with
bacteriuria. If bacteriuria persists 48 hours after removal of the Foley
catheter, antibiotics should be started. Antibiotic therapy is directed at
the pathogen(s) isolated in the culture. Patients with chronic indwelling
catheters who are febrile and not bacteremic should be treated with a 3- to
5-day course of antibiotics. If a patient is bacteremic, then a 10- to
14-day course of antibiotics is recommended.
- ASB occurs in 5-10% of pregnant women. More than 100,000 CFU/mL of a
single uropathogen is the classic definition of ASB, but more recent data
support 10,000 CFU/mL from a clean-catch specimen.
¡@
- ASB most commonly appears between the ninth and 17th weeks of pregnancy.
ASB predisposes to preterm labor, intrauterine growth retardation, low–birth
weight infants, anemia, amnionitis, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
¡@
- Risk factors include sexual activity, increasing age and parity,
diabetes, lower socioeconomic class, a history of UTIs, sickle cell disease,
and structural/functional abnormalities. Cystitis and pyelonephritis are
inevitable complications of ASB.
¡@
- The recommendation is to screen pregnant women at their first prenatal
visit and during the third trimester and not again, unless their initial
test result is positive or they develop symptoms. Cystitis occurs in
0.3-1.3% of pregnancies but does not appear to be related to ASB. Acute
pyelonephritis occurs in 1-2% of pregnancies. Complications of
pyelonephritis include pulmonary edema and acute respiratory distress
syndrome, transient renal dysfunction, anemia, preterm delivery, and low–birth
weight infants.
¡@
- ASB must be treated and not merely observed. Treatment of ASB decreases
the risk of persistent bacteriuria from 86-11%, with a significant reduction
in the risk of acute pyelonephritis. Sulfonamides, cephalosporins,
nitrofurantoin, and broad-spectrum penicillins have been shown to be
effective. A 4- to 7-day course of therapy is recommended for treating ASB
and cystitis. Sulfonamides just before birth may cause fetal
hyperbilirubinemia, while trimethoprim early in pregnancy is teratogenic.
¡@
- Repeat cultures should be obtained during pregnancy given the high risk
of relapse. After the second occurrence, nitrofurantoin, amoxicillin, or a
cephalosporin is recommended for suppression until after delivery.
Hospitalization is indicated for pyelonephritis with nausea/vomiting,
evidence of sepsis, or for patients with contractions. Empiric parenteral
regimens include a cephalosporin, such as ceftriaxone, or gentamicin plus
ampicillin (or a derivative of penicillin). When using an aminoglycoside,
the risk of ototoxicity in the fetus must be considered.
¡@
- Antibiotic regimens should be changed based on culture results. Patients
may be changed to oral therapy once they are afebrile and able to tolerate
an oral regimen. Urolithiasis, a structural abnormality, or an abscess
should be considered if a patient fails to respond to appropriate therapy.
- Urinary tract infections in patients with renal transplants
- UTIs are the most common type of infection following renal
transplantation. UTIs occur in 30-50% of renal transplant patients and
frequently are silent.
¡@
- UTIs may, but do not always, predispose the patient to graft loss or
rejection. Infection of the allograft may lead to life-threatening
bacteremia. Patients are most susceptible the first 2 months following
transplantation. Triggering factors include vesicoureteral reflux and
immunosuppression.
¡@
- An unusual bacterium, Corynebacterium urealyticum (ie, CDC
group D2), has been reported to cause encrusted pyelitis and cystitis in
these patients. Treatment of UTIs in renal transplant patients is preferably
with either TMP-SMZ or a quinolone.
¡@
- ASB should be treated for 10 days. Parenteral antibiotics should be used
for severe infections. The duration of antibiotics for severe infections
should be 4-6 weeks.
¡@
- Antibiotic prophylaxis is valuable in patients undergoing renal
transplantation. TMP-SMZ (1 PO qd), beginning 2-4 days after surgery and
continuing for 4-8 months, reduced the incidence of UTIs from 38-8%
(especially after the catheter was removed), cut febrile hospital days and
bacterial infections (during and after hospitalization) in half, and reduced
graft rejection.
- Removal of a Foley catheter is essential for clearance of funguria. If
the catheter is still needed, replace it (preferably a day later).
¡@
- Treatment options vary from topical treatment to systemic therapy.
¡@
- Amphotericin-B bladder washes for 7 days provides a prompt but
nonsustained response. It does not treat systemic mycoses and is
inconvenient for the nurse to administer. Amphotericin-B, 0.3 mg/kg IV for 1
dose is an option that provides a more sustained and systemic response.
¡@
- Fluconazole, 200 mg PO for 1 d followed by 100 mg PO qd for 4-7 d is a
simpler option. This drug is effective against azole-responsive candida.
Generally, azole-resistance is observed only in Candida krusei and
Candida glabrata. Fluconazole provides a good long-term effect but
takes a few days to clear the urine.
- Diabetes mellitus
¡@
- Complicated UTIs in patients who have diabetes include renal and
perirenal abscess, emphysematous pyelonephritis, emphysematous cystitis,
fungal infections, xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis, and papillary
necrosis.
¡@
- Emphysematous pyelonephritis is a severe, necrotizing form of multifocal
bacterial nephritis with gas formation within the renal parenchyma. Seventy
to 90% of cases develop in patients with diabetes. Sixty percent of
infections are secondary to E coli. Enterobacter aerogenes and
Klebsiella, Proteus, Streptococcus, and Candida species also
may play a role.
¡@
- Three factors must be present for the development of renal emphysema—excess
tissue glucose, impaired tissue perfusion, and a gas-producing bacterium.
The gas may result from fermentation of necrotic tissue or from mixed acid
fermentation by Enterobacteriaceae. Predisposing factors include diabetes
mellitus, remote or recent kidney infection, and obstruction.
¡@
- Patients may present with fever, chills, and nausea or vomiting. Half
of patients have evidence of a flank mass on examination. Rarely, patients
have crepitus over the thigh or flank.
¡@
- Lab findings include leukocytosis, hyperglycemia, pyuria, and an
elevated BUN and creatinine. A plain film of the abdomen may reveal gas in
the kidneys in 85% of infections. A renal ultrasound also may help
establish the diagnosis. If gas is visualized, then a CT scan should be
performed to reveal if the gas is in the parenchyma or collecting system.
¡@
- The mortality rate is 60% in cases in which the gas is localized to
the renal parenchyma, regardless of treatment. The mortality is 80% if the
gas has spread in the perinephric space and the patient is treated with
antibiotics alone.
¡@
- Emphysematous pyelitis is defined as the presence of gas localized to
the renal collecting system. Emphysematous cystitis is defined as air in the
urinary tract.
¡@
- Pathogenesis: More than 50% of these patients have diabetes.
Obstruction of the collecting system generally is the rule in
emphysematous pyelitis. The left kidney is involved twice as often as the
right in emphysematous pyelitis. The most common infectious etiology is
E coli, but other gram-negative organisms, S aureus,
Clostridium perfringens, and Candida species also may be
responsible.
¡@
- Presentation: Patients with emphysematous pyelitis most commonly
present with fever, chills, nausea and vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Patients with emphysematous cystitis most commonly present with urinary
frequency, urgency, and dysuria. Abdominal pain also may be present. Gross
hematuria and pneumaturia are occasionally present.
¡@
- Diagnosis: Leukocytosis and pyuria are observed in most patients. In
half of the patients, azotemia and hyperglycemia are present. Abdominal
films may reveal gas outlining the renal pelvis and in the ureters.
Abdominal films may reveal air in the bladder wall or lumen. Renal
ultrasound may reveal diffuse thickening of the bladder wall and
echogenicity. CT scans may reveal gas in the bladder wall with extension
into the lumen. Cystoscopy may reveal blebs in the bladder mucosa.
¡@
- Therapy: Antibiotics and relief of obstruction usually are sufficient.
The mortality rate is 20%.
- Papillary necrosis
¡@
- Definition: Papillary necrosis is defined as focal or diffuse ischemic
necrosis of various segments of the renal medulla.
¡@
- Pathogenesis: This entity is uncommon in people with diabetes, but, when
infections occur, more than one half are in people with diabetes. Other
causes include sickle cell disease, analgesic abuse, pyelonephritis, renal
transplant rejection, cirrhosis, and obstruction. Most infections are
complicated by UTI and renal insufficiency.
¡@
- Two types of papillary necrosis have been described. In the medullary
form, the fornices remain intact. In the papillary form, the entire
papillary surface is destroyed.
¡@
- Presentation: Many patients present with fever, chills, and flank pain.
The flank pain is secondary to the passage of sloughed papilla. Some
patients may present with symptoms of obstruction or azotemia.
¡@
- Histology and/or radiologic studies may help make the diagnosis. The
sloughed papillae may be obtained by straining the urine and sending for
histology. The retrograde pyelogram is the radiologic procedure of choice,
but ultrasound or CT scan also reveal the diagnosis. Findings of early renal
papillary necrosis include a dilated calyceal fornix, retracted or irregular
papillary tip, and extension of contrast into the parenchyma. A club-shaped
cavity in the medulla or papilla may be formed in later disease. When a
separated papilla is surrounded by contrast, a ring may be visualized; this
is characteristic of papillary necrosis.
¡@
- Treatment: Antibiotics, drainage, and (occasionally) surgery are the
mainstays of therapy. Antibiotics should cover E coli and
Enterobacter, Proteus, and Klebsiella species.
¡@
- Treatment for more serious infections also should cover Pseudomonas
and Enterococcus species. Initial therapy should not be with an
oral regimen. Parenteral agents such as gentamicin, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone,
ceftazidime, cefepime, mezlocillin, piperacillin, piperacillin-tazobactam,
imipenem-cilastatin, meropenem, or ciprofloxacin should be used empirically
pending the result of a urine culture. Parenteral therapy should be
continued until the fever and other symptoms resolve. Duration of therapy
generally is 14 days.
|
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¡@ |
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