Catheter-associated Urinary Tract Infections In Patients Research Articles

Evaluating the Potential of a New Low-Profile Urinary Catheter in Preventing Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections: A Prospective Randomized Blinded Clinical Trial

Aim To investigate the efficacy of a new low-profile catheter on incidence of the catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) in comatose patients admitted to the intensive care unit. Background Catheter-induced urothelial injury is a key component in the development of urinary tract infections in catheterized patients. Methods In this prospective randomized blinded clinical trial, 80 patients requiring indwelling urinary catheterization were equally randomized to either the standard Foley catheter (control) or the low-profile catheter (experimental) group. The signs of urinary tract infection for comatose patients were considered (ie, ≥105 of colony-forming unit/milliliter of urine, hematuria, serum leukocytes, and body temperature) and recorded at baseline and on days 3 and 5 after catheterization. The analysis of covariance was applied by the SPSS-20 software at a 95% confidence level. Results An increasing proportion of patients with elevated urinary colony counts were seen in the Foley catheter group compared with the low-profile catheter group (12.5% vs 5%). However, there were no between-group differences in the urinary colony counts and body temperature after controlling for antibiotic doses and fluid intake. Patients in the low-profile catheter group had significantly lower rates of hematuria and serum leukocytes than those in the Foley catheter group. Conclusion A newly designed low-profile urinary catheter has demonstrated a trend toward reducing the incidence of CAUTI in patients with indwelling urinary catheters. Further studies with larger sample sizes and follow-up are needed to confirm the benefits.

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections in patients who have undergone radical cystectomy for bladder cancer: A prospective randomized clinical study of two silicone catheters (clinical benefit of antibiotic silicone material).

PurposeThe prevalence of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) varies from 5% to 8.2%, and the risk of infection increases by 5% to 7% per day of primary indwelling. We investigated whether a novel biofilm inhibitory mechanism using an inhibitory silicone urethral catheter (a coated Foley catheter) can reduce CAUTIs compared to conventional non-coated Foley catheters.Materials and MethodsThis study prospectively analyzed the difference in the incidence of CAUTIs in patients who underwent radical cystectomy with an orthotopic neobladder for bladder cancer and received a coated or conventional non-coated catheter. Additionally, differences in bacterial colonization between the groups were analyzed using a catheter-tip bacterial culture test.ResultsEighty-five patients were randomized into the “coated Foley catheter” group (abbreviated as “case” group; 41 patients) and a control group (44 patients). The two groups were identical except for their surgical history. The incidence of CAUTIs 2 weeks after radical cystectomy was 21.95% (case) and 27.27% (control), with no significant difference between the two groups. However, when the catheter was removed 2 weeks after surgery, the catheter tip culture test revealed significant bacterial colonies in 25 (60.98%) and 38 (86.36%) patients in the case and control group, respectively. No catheter-related postoperative side effects were observed in either group.ConclusionsThe incidence of CAUTIs in the two groups did not differ according to the catheter material. However, the catheter bacterial culture test showed that bacterial colonization was significantly suppressed on the Bi-Fi Free technology catheter, which comparatively inhibited biofilm formation.

Cranberry Products for the Prevention of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections

In this review, we examine the current literature regarding the use of cranberry and other complimentary methods for the prevention of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). Some studies have suggested cranberry products may have a positive effect in reducing the incidence of CAUTIs in patients with normal bladder function receiving short-term catheterization, while other studies have failed to show the benefits of cranberry products for the reduction of CAUTIs. While there is some data suggesting cranberry-derived products may reduce CAUTIs in specific patient populations, there is currently overall insufficient clinical data to recommend broad usage of cranberry products for the reduction of CAUTIs. Many of the studies reviewed have significant limitations in size, design, and lack standardization.

CAUTIs in Patients With Thoracic Epidurals

Background: The Surgical Care Improvement Project 9 (SCIP 9) mandates the removal of urinary catheters within 48 hours following surgery to reduce the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). Although patients with thoracic epidurals are not exempt from SCIP 9, these patients may be inherently different from other surgical patients. Early removal of Foley catheters may cause urinary retention and recatheterization, which in turn can lead to CAUTI or urethral trauma. Our hospital’s current policy is to allow Foley catheters to remain in place until the thoracic epidural is removed. The goal of our study was to identify and compare the rate of CAUTI in patients with thoracic epidural catheters to the rate of CAUTI in patients without thoracic epidural catheters Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients with and without thoracic epidurals who had Foley catheters during hospitalization from July 1, 2017, to May 31, 2019. We used descriptive statistics to compare CAUTI rates based on unit between the 2 groups of patients. Results: We identified 1,834 unique patients with thoracic epidurals and urinary catheters during the study period. We found 4 CAUTIs of 9,896 catheter days (0.4 CAUTIs per 1,000 catheter days) in patients with epidural catheters and 43 CAUTIs of 36,809 catheter days (1.17 CAUTI per 1,000 catheter days) in patients without thoracic epidurals for a rate ratio of 0.346 (95% CI, 0.1242– 0.9639; P < .03). We conducted a sensitivity analysis on a subset of patients admitted under the cardiothoracic service and compared the patients with Foley catheters with and without thoracic epidurals. In this subset, we found 1 CAUTI in 5,890 catheter days (0.17 CAUTI per 1,000 catheter days) in patients with thoracic epidurals and 4 CAUTIs in 9,429 catheter days (0.42 CAUTIs per 1,000 catheter days) in patients without thoracic epidurals), for a rate of 0.4002 (95% CI, 0.0447–3.5808; P < .39). In this subgroup, 7.0% of patients with thoracic epidurals required a second Foley catheter compared to 16.9% of patients without thoracic epidurals who required a second Foley catheter (P < .01). Conclusions: Although patients with thoracic epidurals maintain Foley catheters beyond 48 hours, the CAUTI rate in these patients is lower than in patients without thoracic epidurals. Therefore, removing Foley catheters within 48 hours of surgery in patients with thoracic epidurals may not reduce the risk of CAUTI and, in fact, could be harmful. Further evaluation of confounding variables is warranted.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

Effectiveness of silver alloy–coated silicone urinary catheters in patients with acute traumatic cervical spinal cord injury: Results of a quality improvement initiative

Patients with acute traumatic cervical spinal cord injury (ATCSCI) have an increased risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI). The effectiveness of silver alloy–coated silicone urinary catheters (SACC) in preventing CAUTI in ATCSCI is unknown and was the objective of this study.We performed a quality improvement initiative in an attempt to reduce CAUTI in patients undergoing spine surgery at a single quaternary center. Prior to July 2015, all patients received a latex indwelling catheter (LIC). All patients with ATCSCI with limited hand function (AIS A,B, or C) received a SACC. Incidence of CAUTI, microbiology, duration of infection, antibiotic susceptibility, and catheter-associated adverse events were recorded prospectively.We studied 3081 consecutive patients over the three years, of whom 302 (9.8%) had ATCSCI; 63% of ATCSCI patients were ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) A or B. The overall rate of CAUTI was 19% (585/3081), and was 38% (116/302) in patients with ATCSCI. Of 178 ATCSCI patients with LIC, 100 (56%) developed a CAUTI compared with 28 of 124 (23%) patients with SACC (p < 0.05). Poly-microbial and gram-positive infection was more common in LIC than in SACC (p < 0.05). Median duration of infection was 9 days in SACC group and 12 days in LIC group (p = 0.08). Resistance to trimethoprim (p < 0.001) and ciprofloxacin (p < 0.05) were more common in LIC group. There was no difference in catheter-associated adverse events or length of stay between the groups.This quality improvement initiative illustrates the effectiveness of antiseptic silver alloy–coated silicone urinary catheters in patients with ATCSCI. In our population, the use of SACC reduces the incidence and the complexity of CAUTI.

El catéter vesical Foley BIP es superior al Foley convencional en la reducción de las infecciones urinarias secundarias a catéter en pacientes hospitalizados

Introducción: La infección de tracto urinario asociada a catéter (ITUCV) es la causa más frecuente de infección asociada a los cuidados de la salud. Existen diversas estrategias para prevenir dichas infecciones. Se deben considerar nuevas estrategias como los catéteres vesicales BIP (catéteres con recubrimiento de plata, oro, paladio), como una alternativa para reducir las mismas.&#x0D; Objetivos: Comparar la incidencia de las ITUCV en pacientes con catéter vesical Foley BIP versus Foley convencional.&#x0D; Metodología: Se realizó un ensayo clínico con aleatorización simple, siguiendo el sistema de doble ciego. Se estableció un nivel de confianza del 95%, un error no mayor del 5%. Obteniendo un total de 140 casos, alcanzando así una muestra representativa.&#x0D; Resultados: 140 casos con una inclusión de 125 casos y una exclusión de 15 casos (11%). La media de edad fue 50 años ± 18, con un 52 % hombres y 48% mujeres. El tiempo observado promedio fue de 10 días ± 7. Se presentó una tasa de incidencia global de 25 ITUCV x 1000 días.&#x0D; Discusión: El uso del catéter urinario Foley es una práctica cotidiana. El uso de catéteres Foley BIP disminuyó la tasa de incidencia de infección de vías urinarias asociada a catéter.&#x0D; Conclusiones: Las ITUCV son la infección más frecuente asociado a cuidados de la salud. Las infecciones nosocomiales representan un indicador de calidad de atención de los pacientes, repercuten en la morbimortalidad y economía de los pacientes. Los catéteres con recubrimiento fueron una medida eficaz, disminuyendo de manera considerable la incidencia de ITUCV.

The BIP Foley catheter is superior to the conventional Foley catheter in reducing catheter-associated urinary tract infections in hospitalized patients

Background: Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are the most frequent cause of infection related to healthcare. There are different strategies for preventing them and new ones, such as BIP Foley catheters (catheters coated in silver, gold, and palladium), should be considered as an alternative in reducing said infections.&#x0D; Aims: To compare the incidence of CAUTIs in patients with BIP Foley catheters versus conventional Foley catheters.&#x0D; Materials and methods: A double-blind clinical trial with simple randomization was conducted, obtaining a representative sample of 140 cases. A 95% confidence interval and error not greater than 5% were established.&#x0D; Results: Of the 140 cases, 15 were excluded (11%), leaving a total of 125 cases. Mean patient age was 50 years ± 18; 52% were men and 48% were women. Mean time observed was 10 days ± 7. Overall incidence was 25 CAUTIs x 1000 days.&#x0D; Discussion: Foley catheter use is an everyday practice. BIP Foley catheters reduce the incidence of CAUTIs.&#x0D; Conclusions: CAUTIs are the most frequent infections associated with healthcare. Nosocomial infections are an indicator of the quality of patient care, negatively impacting morbidity and mortality, as well as patient economy. The use of coated catheters was an efficacious measure that considerably reduced the incidence of CAUTIs.

Outcomes Associated With Insertion of Indwelling Urinary Catheters by Medical Students in the Operating Room Following Implementation of a Simulation-Based Curriculum.

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is a priority quality metric for hospitals. The impact of placement of indwelling urinary catheter (IUC) by medical students on CAUTI rates is not well known. This study examined the impact of a simulation-based medical student education curriculum on CAUTI rates at an academic medical center. Patient characteristics, procedural data, and outcome data from all operating room IUC insertions from June 2011 through December 2016 at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine were analyzed using a multivariable model to evaluate associations between CAUTI and inserting provider. Infection data before and after implementation of a simulation-based IUC competency course for medical students were compared. A total of 57,328 IUC insertions were recorded during the study period. Medical students inserted 12.6% (7,239) of IUCs. Medical students had the lowest overall rate of CAUTI among all providers during the study period (medical students: 0.05%, resident/fellows: 0.2%, attending physicians: 0.3%, advanced practice clinicians: 0.1%, nurses: 0.2%; P = .003). Further, medical student IUC placement was not associated with increased odds of CAUTI in multivariable analysis (odds ratio, 0.411; 95% confidence interval: 0.122, 1.382; P = .15). Implementation of a simulation-based curriculum for IUC insertion resulted in complete elimination of CAUTI in patients catheterized by medical students (0 in 3,471). IUC insertion can be safely performed by medical students in the operating room. Simulation-based skills curricula for medical students can be effectively implemented and achieve clinically relevant improvements in patient outcomes.

Early removal of catheters in an Enhanced Recovery Pathway (ERP) with intrathecal opioid injection does not affect postoperative urinary outcomes

BackgroundPostoperative urinary retention (POUR) and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) are associated with significantly longer hospital length-of-stay and increased costs.1 This study investigates the effect of early removal of urinary catheters on POUR and CAUTI in patients undergoing an ERP with a preoperative intrathecal injection. MethodsRetrospective cohort study of a prospectively maintained database of patients who underwent elective colorectal surgery in an Enhanced Recovery pathway was compared to historical National Surgical Quality Improvement Program cohort of patients. Primary outcomes measured are 30-day POUR and postoperative CAUTI rates. ResultsThe overall POUR rate of ERP patients compared to non-ERP patients was significantly less (8% vs. 13%, p < 0.05). CAUTI rates were not significantly different between pre-ERP and ERP patients (1.2 vs 2.3%, p = 0.19). ConclusionsFor patients undergoing ERP with a preoperative intrathecal opioid injection, early removal of urinary catheter significantly decreased POUR and did not significantly affect CAUTI rates. SummaryThe effect of early removal of urinary catheters on postoperative urinary retention and catheter-associated UTI rates in patients undergoing an ERP with a single preoperative intrathecal opioid injection was studied. Early urinary catheter removal after intrathecal injection was associated with decreased rates of POUR and equivalent CAUTI rates.

Spinal Cord Injury Creates Unique Challenges in Diagnosis and Management of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection.

Background: Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality and influences the quality of life of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Objectives: This clinical review aims to highlight the unique surveillance, prevention, diagnosis, and management challenges of CAUTI in the SCI population. Methods: Narrative review of the current literature on catheter use in persons with SCI was conducted to determine gaps in knowledge and opportunities for improvement. Results: Surveillance of CAUTI is challenging in the SCI population as the ability to detect symptoms used to diagnose CAUTI (ie, suprapubic pain, dysuria) is impaired. In terms of prevention of CAUTI, current strategies refocus on appropriate catheter insertion and care and early removal of catheters, which is not always feasible for persons with SCI. Prophylactic antibiotics, nutraceuticals, and coated catheters show limited efficacy in infection prevention. Diagnosing CAUTI after SCI is challenging, often resulting in an overdiagnosis of CAUTI when truly asymptomatic bacteriuria exists. In the management of CAUTI in patients with SCI, the use of multiple antibiotics over time in an individual increases the rate of multidrug-resistant organisms; therefore, the exploration of novel non-antibiotic treatments is of importance. The patient experience should be at the center of all these efforts. Conclusion: Better diagnostic tools or biomarkers are needed to define true CAUTI in people with SCI. SCI-specific evidence to inform catheter management and CAUTI treatment guidelines is needed, with the goal to minimize catheter-related harm, reduce antibiotic resistance, and improve satisfaction and overall quality of life for SCI patients.

Epidemiological features of catheter-associated urinary tract infections in patients of the urological department of Altai Regional Hospital for Veterans of Wars

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are the most frequent source of nosocomial infections associated with the provision of medical care, especially in the presence of a catheter in the bladder. Objective : to assess the manifestations and risk factors of the epidemic process of catheter-associated UTI in patients of the urological Department of the «Altai regional hospital for war veterans» (ARHWV). Materials and methods . To determine the relationship between the incidence of UTI and catheter placement in patients treated in the urological Department of the ARHWV for 2017, 100 cards of inpatient patients with UTI treated in the urological Department of the ARHWV were analyzed. Results and conclusions . After assessing the epidemic process catheter-associated UTI in patients of the urological Department of the ARHWV made the following conclusions: 1. the incidence of UTI of the ARHWV has a connection with the procedure of bladder catheterization and can be interpreted as cases of infections associated with the provision of medical care because all observed patients underwent bladder catheterization procedures in the conditions of the urological Department of the ARHWV; 2. it is necessary to carry out a microbiological analysis of urine of isolated pathogens to all patients who undergo the procedure of bladder catheterization because the share of microbiologically confirmed symptomatic UTI is high (35,9%).

2112. Assessing the Accuracy of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI) Identification Using Urinalysis Results

BackgroundCatheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) negatively impact patient morbidity, mortality and insurance reimbursement rates in acute care hospitals. Since CAUTIs are solely defined by the National Health and Safety Network (NHSN), not by clinical definition or urinalysis (UA) result, eliminating unnecessary urine cultures will improve the accuracy of reportable CAUTI rates. Negative UA can accurately detect false-positive (FP) CAUTIs in patients with 100% negative predictive value.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of 2017 CAUTIs reported from two acute care hospitals (A and B) to determine the effectiveness of a UA screening protocol and the distribution of FPs. Hospital B implemented a UA screening protocol requiring a UA prior to urine culture. Hospital A relied solely on microbiology cultures. FPs were identified by a negative UA result, the absence of bacteria, performed on the same or prior day to the urine culture that resulted in a CAUTI.ResultsOur analysis showed that 13 (34%) of the 38 reported CAUTIs with an associated UA result at hospital A were FPs. Patients with a UC line duration >7 days had a CAUTI FP rate of 62% compared with 27% of those with a line duration between 3 and 7 days (Figure 1) (OR 4.6, CI: 0.9, 23.7, P = 0.09). Hospital A (no screening protocol) was 37.4 times more likely to have a FP CAUTI compared with hospital B (UA screening protocol) (CI: 2.1, 660.6; P < 0.0004).ConclusionA positive culture with a negative UA is indicative of asymptomatic colonization, not true infection. Preventing FP CAUTIs would result in a 34% reduction in CAUTI rates at hospital A, placing the hospital in a better reimbursement benchmark (Figure 2). Interventions include: (1) A best practice alert in the patient’s electronic medical record that can be used to notify the providers to re-evaluate patients with UCs in place ≥ 5 days, (2) A screening protocol that requires a UA order prior to/during specimen collection and prevents processing of urine cultures with a negative UA. In patients with UCs, a protocol should be implemented to reduce FP CAUTIs to better understand the true epidemiology of CAUTIs in hospitals and increase reporting accuracy. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Risk Factors for Urinary Tract Infections in Cardiac Surgical Patients.

Risk factors for catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgical procedures have been well documented. However, the variables associated with CAUTIs in the cardiac surgical population have not been clearly defined. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate risk factors associated with CAUTIs in patients undergoing cardiac procedures. All patients undergoing cardiac surgery at a single institution from 2006 through 2012 (4,883 patients) were reviewed. Patients with U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) criteria for CAUTI were identified from the hospital's Quality Assessment database. Pre-operative, operative, and post-operative patient factors were evaluated. Univariate and multivariable analyses were used to identify significant correlations between perioperative characteristics and CAUTIs. There were 55 (1.1%) documented CAUTIs in the study population. On univariate analysis, older age, female gender, diabetes mellitus, cardiogenic shock, urgent or emergent operation, packed red blood cell (PRBC) units transfused, and intensive care unit length of stay (ICU LOS) were all significantly associated with CAUTI [p<0.05]. On multivariable logistic regression, older age, female gender, diabetes mellitus, and ICU LOS remained significantly associated with CAUTI. Additionally, there was a significant association between CAUTI and 30-d mortality on univariate analysis. However, when controlling for common predictors of operative mortality on multivariable analysis, CAUTI was no longer associated with mortality. There are several identifiable risk factors for CAUTI in patients undergoing cardiac procedures. CAUTI is not independently associated with increased mortality, but it does serve as a marker of sicker patients more likely to die from other comorbidities or complications. Therefore, awareness of the high-risk nature of these patients should lead to increased diligence and may help to improve peri-operative outcomes. Recognizing patients at high risk for CAUTI may lead to improved measures to decrease CAUTI rates within this population.

An update on prevention and treatment of catheter-associated urinary tract infections

Catheter-related urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most important nosocomial infections. This review summarizes the latest advances in the field of catheter care and the management of catheter-associated UTIs. The most efficient methods to prevent catheter-associated UTIs are to avoid unnecessary catheterizations and to remove catheters as soon as possible. The use of different reminder systems and implementation of infection control programs can effectively decrease catheter-associated UTIs, although their introduction can be challenging. There is still no evidence to support the routine use of antimicrobial-impregnated catheters, but the use of hydrophilic-coated catheters for clean intermittent catheterization can effectively reduce infections. Preliminary results with chlorhexidine-coated catheters are promising. In cases of serious catheter-associated UTI in patients with a history of previous antibiotic therapy or healthcare-associated bacteraemia, empirical antibiotic treatment should be initiated with activity against multiresistant uropathogens. Suprapubic catheterization is not superior to urethral catheters in terms of reducing the rate of catheter-related bacteriuria. A technology to prevent catheter-associated UTIs is still not available; however, there are promising results with new approaches such as the use of reminder systems and infection control programs, which can effectively decrease the rate of catheter-associated UTIs. There is evidence supporting the use of hydrophilic coated catheters for clean intermittent catheterization, but an optimal catheter material or coating still has to be developed. Evidence-based catheter management is crucial for every patient in need of a catheter.

Urinary tract infections in the critical care unit: A brief review

The use of indwelling catheters in the Critical Care Units (CCUs) has a major role in determining the incidence and the morbidity as well as mortality from hospital-acquired urinary tract infections (UTIs). Instituting evidence-based protocols can significantly reduce both the prevalence of indwelling catheterization as well as the incidence of hospital-acquired UTIs. The prevalence of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) in the CCUs is directly linked to the widespread use of indwelling catheters in these settings. CAUTIs result in significant cost escalation for individual hospitals as well as the healthcare system as a whole. A UTI is an inflammatory response to colonization of the urinary tract, most commonly by bacteria or fungi. A UTI should be differentiated from the mere detection of bacteria in the urinary tract. This condition, referred to as asymptomatic bacteriuria, is common and does not require treatment, especially in the patient with an indwelling urinary catheter. A CAUTI occurs when a patient with an indwelling urinary catheter develops 2 or more signs or symptoms of a UTI such as hematuria, fever, suprapubic or flank pain, change in urine character, and altered mental status. CAUTI is classified as a complicated UTI. The current review highlights the important management issues in critical care patients having CAUTI. We performed a MEDLINE search using combinations of keywords such as urinary tract infection, critical care unit and indwelling urinary catheter. We reviewed the relevant publications with regard to CAUTI in patients in CCU.

Nursing Interventions to Reduce the Risk of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection

The US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has enacted 2 policies that have focused considerable attention on the optimal use of indwelling catheters in the acute and long-term care settings and the prevention of complications including catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI). This is the second of a 2-part Evidence-Based Report Card reviewing current evidence pertaining to nursing actions for prevention of CAUTI in patients with short- and long-term indwelling catheters. Part 2 reviews multiple interventions for CAUTI prevention including staff education, monitoring of catheter use and CAUTI incidence, insertion technique, urethral meatal care, securement, use of a closed drainage system, bladder irrigation, frequency of catheter change, and antiseptic solutions in the drainage bag. Nursing actions for prevention of CAUTI were identified based on search of electronic databases and Web-based search engines for national or international clinical practice guidelines focusing on this topic. Evidence related to the above nursing interventions was identified by searching electronic databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, the ancestry of articles identified in these searches and Google scholar. Limited evidence suggests that the following interventions reduce the incidence of CAUTI in patients managed by short-term indwelling catheterization: (1) staff education about catheter management, combined with regular monitoring of CAUTI incidence, (2) a facility-wide program to ensure catheterization only when indicated and prompt removal of indwelling catheters, (3) daily cleansing of the urethral meatus using soap and water or perineal cleanser, and (4) maintenance of a closed urinary drainage system. Mixed evidence suggests that use of a preconnected system reduces inadvertent interruption of a closed urinary drainage system and may prevent CAUTI. Limited evidence suggests that routine catheter changes every 4 to 6 weeks reduce CAUTI incidence in patients managed by long-term catheterization. Existed evidence suggests that the following interventions are not effective for reducing CAUTI incidence: (1) use of sterile technique for catheter insertion, (2) use of antiseptic solutions or ointments during routine meatal care, (3) use of a 2-chambered urinary drainage bag, (4) use of antiseptic filters incorporated into a urinary drainage bag, (5) bladder or catheter irrigation, (6) frequent changes of the urinary drainage bag, and (7) placement of an antiseptic solution in the urinary drainage bag. Evidence from parts 1 and 2 of this Evidence-Based Report Card provides a sound basis for designing an evidence-based program to prevent CAUTI. Essential elements of a CAUTI prevention program include staff education, ongoing monitoring of CAUTI incidence, monitoring catheter insertion and ensuring prompt removal, and careful attention to techniques for catheterization and catheter care.

Nursing Interventions to Reduce the Risk of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection

The urinary system is the most common site for all hospital-acquired infections, accounting for approximately 40% of all nosocomial infections. The US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has enacted 2 policies that have focused considerable attention on the optimal use of indwelling catheters in the acute and long-term care settings and the prevention of complications including catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI). This is the first of a 2-part Evidence-Based Report Card reviewing current evidence pertaining to nursing actions for prevention of CAUTIs in patients with short- and long-term indwelling catheters. Part 1 reviews evidence for materials for catheter construction, including incorporation of antimicrobial substances into the catheter, and selection of catheter size. Nursing actions for prevention of CAUTIs were identified based on search of electronic databases and Web-based search engines for national or international clinical practice guidelines focusing on this topic. Evidence related to 2 common nursing interventions, selection of the material of construction and selection of catheter size, was identified by searching electronic databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, and the ancestry of articles identified in these searches. We found robust evidence supporting insertion of a silver alloy-coated catheter to reduce the risk of CAUTIs for up to 2 weeks in adult patients managed by short-term indwelling catheterization. We also found evidence supporting the insertion of an antibiotic-impregnated catheter for reduction of CAUTI risk for up to 7 days. There was insufficient evidence to determine whether regular use of an antimicrobial catheter reduces the risk of CAUTIs in adults managed with long-term indwelling catheterization. There was insufficient evidence to determine whether selection of a latex catheter, hydrogel-coated latex catheter, silicone-coated latex catheter, or all- silicone catheter influences CAUTI risk. Expert opinion suggests that selection of a smaller French-sized catheter reduces CAUTI risk, but evidence is lacking. Insertion of an antimicrobial catheter, either silver alloy or antimicrobial coated, is recommended for patients with short-term indwelling catheterization. There is insufficient evidence to recommend their use in patients managed by long-term indwelling catheterization. Selection of smaller French sizes for short- or long-term catheterization is thought to improve comfort and reduce CAUTI risk, but further research is needed to substantiate these best practice recommendations.

A comparative multicentre study on the incidence of catheter-associated urinary tract infection between nitrofurazone-coated and silicone catheters

The efficacy of nitrofurazone-coated urinary catheter in inhibitory activity of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) was evaluated. The incidence rate and onset of CAUTI after catheterisation of standard silicone urinary catheters and nitrofurazone-coated catheters was compared. There was no statistical significance between the two groups in the incidence rate of CAUTI. However, in patients who had indwelling urinary catheters for 5–7 days, the incidence rate of CAUTI was significantly lower in the experimental group. Logistic regression analysis showed that the two variables, including age and period of insertion, affected the incidence rate of CAUTI significantly. Nitrofurazone-coated catheters can be useful for inhibition of CAUTI in patients who have indwelling urinary catheter for 5–7 days and in old-age patients.

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection is rarely symptomatic: a prospective study of 1,497 catheterized patients.

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is the most common nosocomial infection, accounting for more than 1 million cases each year in US hospitals and nursing homes. To define the clinical features of CAUTI. A university hospital; 1,497 newly catheterized patients. Every day that the catheter was in place, a quantitative urine culture and urine leukocyte count were obtained, and the patient was queried by a research worker regarding symptoms. To more precisely define the role of CAUTI in patients' symptoms, a subset of 1,034 patients, 89 of whom developed CAUTI with more than 10(3) colony-forming units per milliliter, who did not have another potentially confounding site of infection besides the urinary tract, was analyzed. Presence of fever, symptoms commonly associated with community-acquired urinary tract infection, and peripheral leukocytosis. There were 235 new cases of nosocomial CAUTI during the study period. More than 90% of the infected patients were asymptomatic; only 123 infections (52%) were detected by patients' physicians using the hospital laboratory. In the subset analysis, there were no significant differences between patients with and without CAUTI in signs or symptoms commonly associated with urinary tract infection-fever, dysuria, urgency, or flank pain-or in leukocytosis. Only 1 of the 235 episodes of CAUTI that were prospectively studied was unequivocally associated with secondary bloodstream infection. Whereas CAUTIs are a major reservoir of antibiotic-resistant organisms in the hospital, they are rarely symptomatic and infrequently cause bloodstream infection. Symptoms referable to the urinary tract, fever, or peripheral leukocytosis have little predictive value for the diagnosis of CAUTI.