Cross-sectional internet survey exploring symptomatic urinary tract infection by type of urinary catheter in persons with spinal cord lesion in Japan

Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-023-00559-5 · Published: February 3, 2023

Simple Explanation

This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and frequency of symptomatic urinary tract infections (sUTIs) in individuals with spinal cord lesions (SCL) using different types of catheters, based on an internet survey in Japan. The study compared sUTI rates between those using intermittent self-catheterization (ISC) and indwelling catheterization (IDC), as well as between users of reusable silicone catheters (RCs) and single-use catheters (SCs). The results indicated a higher incidence of sUTIs in the ISC group compared to the IDC group, but no significant difference in sUTI rates was observed between different types of catheters used for ISC.

Study Duration

September 2020 to October 2020

Participants

282 persons with spinal cord lesion

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The incidence of sUTI was significantly higher in the ISC group (52.2%) compared to the IDC group (31.4%).
2
There were no significant differences in the incidence or frequency of sUTI between persons using reusable catheters and single-use catheters.
3
The frequency of sUTI in persons performing ISC was about 3 times a year.

Research Summary

This internet-based survey examined the incidence and frequency of symptomatic urinary tract infections (sUTIs) in persons with spinal cord lesions (SCL) in Japan, focusing on different catheter types used for bladder management. The study found a significantly higher incidence of sUTIs in individuals using intermittent self-catheterization (ISC) compared to those with indwelling catheterization (IDC). No significant differences were observed in sUTI incidence or frequency between users of reusable silicone catheters and single-use catheters, or between those with and without concomitant use of intermittent balloon catheters.

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice

Healthcare providers should be aware of the higher risk of sUTIs in patients using ISC compared to IDC.

Catheter Selection

The choice between reusable and single-use catheters may not significantly impact sUTI rates, allowing for consideration of cost and environmental factors.

Further Research

Long-term prospective studies are needed to further investigate the relationship between catheter types and sUTI incidence in individuals with SCL.

Study Limitations

1
The subjects in this study may not represent the general population.
2
This study inherently had a selection as well as an information bias, and the sample size was small, especially in the IDC group.
3
Because sUTI was not based on criteria such as those of IDSA, but self-reported, the incidence and frequency of sUTI might be overestimated.

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