Antibiotic prophylaxis prior to urodynamic study in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury. is there an indication?

Int Braz J Urol, 2019 · DOI: 10.1590/S1677-5538.IBJU.2018.0574 · Published: March 1, 2019

Simple Explanation

This study investigates whether giving antibiotics before a urodynamic study (UDS) can prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI). UDS is a safe exam with a low risk of causing bacteremia. The researchers compared the rates of UTI after UDS in three different hospitals that had different rules about giving antibiotics before the procedure. Patients with SCI often require frequent urologic exams. The study found that antibiotics did not prevent UTIs after UDS. However, patients with spinal cord injuries at the T6 level or above were more likely to develop UTIs after UDS.

Study Duration

2 Years

Participants

661 patients with traumatic spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Level 3 - Retrospective cohort study

Key Findings

1
The use of antimicrobials does not prevent UTI after UDS in patients with traumatic SCI.
2
Patients with T6 traumatic SCI or above have a higher chance of developing UTI after UDS compared to those with a T7 injury or below.
3
The global UTI rate observed after the UDS was that of 3.18%.

Research Summary

This multicenter research trial, involving 661 patients with traumatic SCI, has not demonstrated the necessity of antimicrobials in the prevention of UTI as a complication of UDS. The only independent variable associated with the outcome was the level of the SCI: T6 or above. Based on a retrospective hospital cohort of patients with traumatic SCI we have demonstrated that the use of prophylactic antimicrobials would not lower the risk of UTI as a complication of UDS.

Practical Implications

Antibiotic Stewardship

The study supports reducing unnecessary antibiotic use before urodynamic studies in SCI patients, contributing to antibiotic stewardship efforts.

Risk Stratification

Clinicians should be aware of the increased UTI risk in patients with T6 or higher SCI when performing urodynamic studies.

Further Research

Additional research is needed to explore the mechanisms behind the increased UTI risk in patients with high thoracic SCI and potential preventive strategies.

Antibiotic prophylaxis prior to urodynamic study in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury. is there an indication?

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Antibiotic Stewardship

Risk Stratification

Further Research

Study Limitations

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Was this summary helpful?

Antibiotic prophylaxis prior to urodynamic study in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury. is there an indication?

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Antibiotic Stewardship

Risk Stratification

Further Research

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?