The Prevalence, Etiologic Agents and Risk Factors for Urinary Tract Infection Among Spinal Cord Injury Patients

Jundishapur J Microbiol, 2014 · DOI: 10.5812/jjm.8905 · Published: January 1, 2014

Simple Explanation

This study aimed to identify the prevalence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and the bacteria that cause them in patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI). It also sought to determine risk factors that make SCI patients more susceptible to UTIs. The study found that UTIs are a common infectious episode among SCI patients, with E. coli being the most frequently isolated microorganism from urine samples. The research identified previous antibiotic use, recent hospitalization, and a prior UTI diagnosis as risk factors for developing infections with multi-drug resistant bacteria. Urinary catheterization was also pinpointed as an independent risk factor for symptomatic UTIs.

Study Duration

January 2008 and December 2010

Participants

93 spinal cord injury patients

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria was 67.7%, and symptomatic urinary tract infection was 22.6% among the spinal cord injury patients studied.
2
E. coli was the most common microorganism isolated from urine samples of spinal cord injury patients with either asymptomatic bacteriuria or symptomatic urinary tract infections.
3
Antibiotic use in the previous 2 weeks or 3 months, hospitalization during the last one-year and previous diagnosis of urinary tract infection were identified as risk factors for developing infections with multi-drug resistant isolates.

Research Summary

This study investigated the prevalence, causative agents, and risk factors for urinary tract infections (UTIs) in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. The research was conducted at rehabilitation centers, prospectively following 93 SCI patients. The study found a high prevalence of both asymptomatic bacteriuria and symptomatic UTIs among the SCI patients. E. coli was identified as the most common causative agent. The study identified antibiotic use, recent hospitalization, and previous UTI diagnosis as risk factors for multi-drug resistant infections. Urinary catheterization was found to be an independent risk factor for symptomatic UTIs.

Practical Implications

Targeted Interventions

Implement targeted interventions focusing on modifiable risk factors, such as minimizing unnecessary antibiotic use and improving catheter care protocols.

Antimicrobial Stewardship

Strengthen antimicrobial stewardship programs to reduce the development and spread of multi-drug resistant organisms in this vulnerable population.

Catheter Management Strategies

Optimize catheter management strategies, including considering intermittent catheterization when appropriate, to reduce the risk of symptomatic UTIs.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size may limit the generalizability of the findings.
2
The study was conducted at specific rehabilitation centers, potentially introducing selection bias.
3
Lack of long-term follow-up limits the ability to assess the long-term impact of identified risk factors.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury