UTI

DEFINITIONS

• Asymptomatic bacteriuria – treat only if patient is pregnant (+/- renal transplant recipient with stent in situ).  If in doubt, discuss.

• Cystitis – may have alternate aetiology.  Remember that lower urinary tract symptoms in women with 10,000-100,000 cfu/ml probably represents infection and should be treated

• Pyelonephritis – should always be treated, and will frequently require parenteral therapy

• Recurrent UTI - ³ three symptomatic infections per annum (provided  ³ 1 month interval; less suggests relapse).  Review oral fluid intake, anatomical or bladder function problems, vaginal epithelium and consider long-term prophylaxis

• LUTS – many patients have symptoms of voiding dysfunction (urge incontinence, stress incontinence, incontinence, nocturia, prostatism).   These may benefit from expert urological assessment

• Complicated vs. Uncomplicated – anatomical problems, stones, stents, transplants, pregnancy – should be treated more aggressively.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Patient information on UTI from EdRenINFO

Teaching/ background information on UTI suitable for medical staff and students from the EdREN education section

Liam Plant was the original main author for this page. It was revised by ANT in November 2006 and this page was last amended Thursday, November 30, 2006.

NOTE that the accuracy of any statements in this information CANNOT be guaranteed. It is published in the belief that it is correct, and we endeavour to keep it so - but we do make mistakes. Furthermore, over some subjects there are differing opinions, or differing degrees of certainty. We have usually not attempted to discuss these here because the aim has been to provide an immediate and brief guide. In all areas, prior medical knowledge is assumed. The EdRenHANDBOOK is not suitable for use by those without such a background. Contact us by email or at the address given at the foot of the contents page with any comments or corrections.