Incidence and risk factors of urinary tract infection in hospitalized patients with spinal cord injury in a hospital of China

Scientific Reports, 2024 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-54234-2 · Published: February 10, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Immunology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study examines the incidence and risk factors of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in hospitalized patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) in China. Understanding these factors can help healthcare professionals make better decisions to prevent UTIs in this vulnerable population. The study found that the incidence of UTI in hospitalized Chinese patients with SCI was 49.8%. Several factors were identified as risks, including sex, hypoproteinemia, urinary incontinence, bladder irrigation, timing of rehabilitation, and duration of indwelling urinary catheter. By implementing specific preventive measures, it is anticipated that the occurrence of UTI among individuals with SCI can be reduced, ultimately improving their overall quality of life and prognosis.

Study Duration

August 2014 and August 2023

Participants

538 patients with spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Retrospective study

Key Findings

1
The incidence of UTI in hospitalized patients with SCI in China was found to be 49.8%.
2
Several risk factors for UTI were identified: sex, hypoproteinemia, urinary incontinence, bladder irrigation, timing of rehabilitation, and duration of indwelling urinary catheter.
3
E. coli was the most common microorganism isolated from urine cultures of SCI patients with UTI.

Research Summary

This retrospective study analyzed data from 538 hospitalized patients with SCI in China between 2014 and 2023 to determine the incidence and risk factors for urinary tract infections (UTIs). The study found a high incidence of UTI (49.8%) and identified several significant risk factors, including sex, hypoproteinemia, urinary incontinence, bladder irrigation, delayed rehabilitation, and prolonged indwelling catheter use. The findings suggest the importance of targeted preventive measures to reduce UTI incidence and improve the quality of life for SCI patients in China.

Practical Implications

Preventive Measures

Implement targeted preventive strategies focusing on modifiable risk factors such as minimizing indwelling catheter duration, optimizing nutritional status to prevent hypoproteinemia, and managing urinary incontinence.

Early Rehabilitation

Prioritize early rehabilitation interventions to establish regular bladder function and promote patient cooperation, potentially reducing UTI risk.

Urine Culture Practices

Improve the utilization of urine culture testing for early diagnosis, treatment guidance, and efficacy monitoring of UTIs in SCI patients.

Study Limitations

1
Retrospective study design may introduce information bias due to reliance on existing data.
2
Urodynamic data was limited, hindering comprehensive assessment of bladder dysfunction types.
3
Single-hospital study limits generalizability to all hospitals in China.

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