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 EdREP resources section.

 

Acknowledgements:   Liam Plant was the original main author for this page. It was revised by ANT in November 2006 and the last modified date is shown in the footer.