Lower Urinary Tract Infection In Women Research Articles

Association between anti-seizure medication and the risk of lower urinary tract infection in patients with epilepsy

PurposeThe aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the incidence of lower urinary tract infections (LUTI) and antibiotic prescriptions within 12 months after initial prescription of anti-seizure medication (ASM) between January and December 2020 (index date) and to investigate the association between a broad spectrum of ASMs and the risk of LUTI in patients with epilepsy. MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included a total of 9186 adult patients (≥18 years) with an initial diagnosis of epilepsy and a prescription of an ASM treated in 1284 general practices in Germany between January 2010 and December 2020 (index date). Six frequently prescribed ASMs with at least 1000 available patients were analyzed. Patients treated with one of six ASMs were matched to each other by propensity scores based on sex, age, and secondary diagnoses. Cox regression models were used to analyze the association between the use of ASM and LUTI risk. ResultsThe cumulative LUTI incidence 12 months after the start of therapy was highest in patients treated with pregabalin (16.7%), followed by valproate (11.6%) and gabapentin (10.2%). A similar trend was observed for LUTI with antibiotic prescription (9.2% pregabalin, 6.8% valproate, 6.8% gabapentin). Conditional regression analyses revealed that pregabalin therapy was significantly positively associated with LUTI (HR: 1.76; 95% CI 1.29–2.39) and LUTI-based antibiotic prescription (HR: 2.16; 95% CI 1.43–3.27). Carbamazepine was associated with a significantly lower incidence of LUTI in women (HR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.30–0.75), but not in men. No significant associations were observed for other ASMs. ConclusionThe present study identifies a significant positive association between ASM and LUTI incidence and antibiotic prescriptions in patients with epilepsy treated with pregabalin, whereas a protective effect was found for carbamazepine in women only. No significant associations were observed for the four remaining ASMs.

Антиадгезивная стратегия неантибактериальной профилатики рецидивирующей инфекции нижних мочевыводящих путей

INTRODUCTION The importance of recurrent lower urinary tract infection (LUTI) is associated with its high frequency, a significant decrease in the quality of life and insufficient efficiency of currently available treatment methods. Due to the high antibiotic resistance of uropathogens, the role of alternative therapeutic strategies increases, including substances with antiadhesive properties. AIM to evaluate the efficiency of a biologically active additive (BAA) containing D-mannose and inulin for the prevention of recurrent LUTI in women. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 74 women aged 21 to 75 years (mean 47.4+/-13.6 years) with recurrent LUTI were included in the study. After the initial treatment of LUTI all the patients were divided into two groups. Patients of the main group (n=44) received BAA containing D-mannose with antiadhesive properties and inulin, which is a prebiotic, to prevent recurrence of LUTI. Ecocystin was prescribed 1 sachet packet 2 times a day for the first 3 days, and then 1 sachet packet 1 time a day for 6 months. The Ecocystin sachet contains 1.5 g of D-mannose and 1.5 g of inulin. In the control group (n=30) were not prescribed Ecocystin. Clinical indicators were assessed on the 3rd day, as well as after 3 and 6 months from the beginning of the study. RESULTS During the first 3 months, recurrent LUTI were diagnosed in 51.7% of patients in the control group and only in 15.9% of patients in the main group (p=0.002). By the 6th month of follow-up, relapses were seen in 75.9% and 29.5% of patients, respectively (p<0.001). In the main group a significant increase in the time interval before the onset of recurrence was found. During the first three months of follow-up, the recurrence of LUTI in the main group developed on average after 43.4+/-14.3 days compared to 28.2+/-13.5 days in the control group (p=0.026). In addition, severity and duration of recurrent LUTI in patients of the main group were less pronounced than in the control group. CONCLUSION Our results showed that Ecocystin is an effective drug for the prevention of recurrences in patients with recurrent LUTI. Considering antiadhesive properties of D-mannose, which is part of Ecocystin, this drug can be recommended as a pathogenetically justified alternative to the antibacterial drugs.

Рецидивирующая инфекция нижних мочевыводящих путей у женщин: лечение и профилактика

INTRODUCTION Antibiotics represent the main drugs for the treatment and prevention of recurrent lower urinary tract infections (UTIs). At the same time, there is no consensus regarding the duration of therapy and the interval between courses. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 50 women aged 18 to 65 years (mean age 44.6+/-13.2 years) with recurrent lower UTIs in the acute stage were treated. All patients were prescribed fosfomycin trometamol (Fosfomycin Esparma, Esparma GmbH, Germany) at a dose of 3 g once every 10 days for 3 months. The changes of clinical and laboratory parameters were evaluated on the 3rd day after the first administration of fosfomycin, and then after 1, 3 and 6 months from the start of treatment. RESULTS A decrease in the severity of clinical manifestations of cystitis was seen on the next day after first administration of fosfomycin. By the 3rd day, the ACSS score decreased from the initial 9.2+/-2.1 to 1.4+/-1.0 (p<0.001), while the average urinary frequency changed from 12.3+/-2.3 to 7.5+/-1.4 (p<0.05). After 3 months of therapy, the clinical results virtually did not differ from results on the 3rd day. The therapy was well tolerated; adverse events were noted in 10 patients, but they didnt result in discontinuation of the drug. During follow-up for 3 months after the completion of therapy, 47 (94%) women didnt have recurrence of lower UTI. CONCLUSION the results of the study suggest a high efficiency and good tolerability of fosfomycin when it is prescribed according to specific scheme for the treatment and prevention of recurrent lower UTIs in women.

Increased adherence to treatment guidelines in patients with urinary tract infection in primary care: A retrospective study.

BackgroundUrinary tract infection (UTI) is common in primary care and leads to a high number of antibiotic prescriptions. Antimicrobial resistance is a global health problem; better antimicrobial prescribing is one way to limit antimicrobial resistance. We aimed to describe the number of consultations for patients diagnosed with lower urinary tract infection (LUTI) and pyelonephritis and changes in prescribing of antibiotics to men and women with LUTI and pyelonephritis in Swedish PHC between the years 2008 and 2013.MethodsWe performed a descriptive study of changes in UTI diagnosis and antibiotic prescribing in UTI for the years 2008, 2010 and 2013. The Primary Care Record of Infections in Sweden, a database regarding diagnosis linked antibiotic prescribing in primary care, was analyzed concerning data for men and women of all ages regarding UTI visits and antibiotic prescribing. The results were analyzed in relation to current national guidelines.ResultsThere was a variability in consultation incidence for LUTI with an increase between 2008 and 2010 and a decrease between 2010 and 2013, resulting in a slight rise in consultation incidence between 2008 and 2013. The use of recommended nitrofurantoin or pivmecillinam in LUTI in women increased from 54% in 2008 to 69% in 2013. Fluoroquinolones or trimethoprim were prescribed in 24% of LUTI cases in women in 2008 and in 7% of cases in 2013. Prescriptions of pivmecillinam or nitrofurantoin in male LUTI cases increased from 13% in 2008 to 31% in 2013. Fluoroquinolones or trimethoprim were prescribed in 54% of male LUTI cases in 2008 and 32% in 2013.ConclusionsSwedish GPs seem to follow national guidelines in the treatment of LUTI in women. In male LUTI cases, the prescriptions of fluoroquinolones remain high and further research is needed to follow prescription patterns and enhance more prudent prescribing to this group of patients.

How long should antibiotic therapy be continued for an uncomplicated UTI in an elderly woman?

EVIDENCE-BASED ANSWER In older adult women with uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections (UTIs), 3- to 6-day antibiotic regimens result in less persistence than single-dose treatments and have similar outcomes to longer regimens (SOR: A, meta-analysis of RCTs). A 3-day antibiotic course is recommended for uncomplicated symptomatic lower UTIs in women, including women older than 64 years (SOR: A, evidence-based guideline).

High Diagnostic Accuracy of Nitrite Test Paired with Urine Sediment can Reduce Unnecessary Antibiotic Therapy.

Background:Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common bacterial infections dominated by lower UTI in women (LUTIW). Symptoms only are insufficient for diagnosis and accordingly, near patient diagnostic tests confidently confirming significant bacteriuria are desirable. The nitrite test (NIT) has low sensitivity, while bacterial and leukocyte counts disjunctively paired in urine sediment microscopy (SED) have high sensitivity. Similar symptomatic cure rates are found post antibiotic vs. placebo therapy in patients with negative cultures. Consequently, prescription on symptoms only implies unnecessary antibiotic therapy.Aims:to evaluate the diagnostic outcomes of NIT, SED and NIT disjunctively paired with SED (NIT+SED) vs. urine culture, with special focus on bladder incubation time (BIT), and to assess if NIT+SED can reduce unnecessary antibiotic therapy.Methods:A diagnostic, primary care, multicentre study including 1070 women with symptoms suggestive of lower UTI.Results: Significant bacteriuria was found in 77%. The BIT highly influenced the diagnostic outcomes and the optimal duration was ≥4h with sensitivity of 66, 90 and 95% for NIT, SED and NIT+SED, respectively. SED performed only in NIT negative specimens could reduce unnecessary antibiotics by 10% vs. prescription on symptoms only. The number needed to test with SED to reduce one unnecessary antibiotic course was five patients at BIT ≥4h and six patients at ≤3h or overall.Conclusion:The BIT highly influences the diagnostic outcomes with the highest accuracy of NIT+SED. Diagnosis of LUTIW with NIT+SED can reduce unnecessary antibiotic therapy and subsequently decrease antimicrobial resistance. Trial registration:The Swedish Medical Product Agency 1995 03 01:151:01783/94.

Mecillinam resistance and outcome of pivmecillinam treatment in uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection in women.

Pivmecillinam (PIV) is a first-line antimicrobial for treatment of lower urinary tract infection in women (LUTIW). Mecillinam, the active substance of PIV, is bactericidal mainly against gram-negative uropathogens, whereas gram-positive species are considered intrinsically resistant. However, successful treatment of LUTIW caused by Staphylococcus saprophyticus has been reported, but more rarely for other gram-positive species. The aim of this study was to compare clinical and bacteriological outcome of PIV vs placebo treatment among uropathogens with special focus on mecillinam-resistant isolates. We analysed data from a prospective, multicentre, placebo-controlled, primary health care, therapy study performed in Sweden in 1995–1998 that included 1143 women with symptoms suggestive of LUTIW. Urine cultures were collected and symptoms registered at inclusion and at follow-up visits. Overall, the efficacy of PIV was superior to that of placebo. Clinical and bacteriological outcomes of PIV treatment were similar for S. saprophyticus, Escherichia coli as for most other uropathogens irrespective of their susceptibility to mecillinam. However, the occurrence of enterococci increased nearly fivefold shortly post PIV treatment, although with mild symptoms and a high spontaneous eradication. As susceptibility to mecillinam in vitro did not predict bacteriological and clinical outcome of PIV treatment, we suggest that the present breakpoints for mecillinam should be revised.

Can a multifaceted educational intervention targeting both nurses and physicians change the prescribing of antibiotics to nursing home residents? A cluster randomized controlled trial

To assess the impact of a multifaceted educational intervention concerning treatment of infections in the nursing home setting. We used a cluster randomized controlled trial. Fifty-eight nursing homes in Sweden were randomly assigned either to educational intervention or control. The intervention consisted of small educational group sessions with nurses and physicians, feedback on prescribing, presentation of guidelines and written materials. The primary outcome was the proportion of quinolones prescribed for lower urinary tract infection (UTI) in women. Secondary outcomes were for all infections: number of UTIs per resident, proportion of recorded infections treated with an antibiotic, proportion of infections handled by physicians as 'wait and see', and for lower UTI in women, proportion of nitrofurantoin. Of the 58 nursing homes, 46 completed the study. A total of 702 and 540 infections were recorded pre- and post-intervention. The proportion of quinolones decreased significantly in the intervention and control groups, by -0.196 (9/93 to 36/123) and -0.224 (4/66 to 31/109), respectively [95% confidence interval (CI) -0.338, -0.054 and -0.394, -0.054], but the difference between intervention and control groups was not significant, with an absolute risk reduction of 0.028 (95% CI -0.193, 0.249). The changes in proportion of infections treated with antibiotics and proportion of infections handled by physicians as 'wait and see' was significant in comparison with controls: -0.124 (95% CI -0.228, -0.019) and 0.143 (95% CI 0.047, 0.240). No intervention effect could be seen for the other outcomes. The educational intervention had no effect on the primary outcome, but decreased the overall prescribing of antibiotics.

Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in Women

Abstract Recurrent lower urinary tract infections (UTIs) are usually defined as two or more episodes of such infection occurring in the preceding 12 months. In most cases, such infections are the result of sexual habits and hygiene (e.g., women who are sexually active, especially those using diaphragms and/or spermatocides). A clean-catch or catheterized specimen for culture typically reveals greater than 100,000 organisms per milliliter of urine. The typical infecting organism is Escherichia coli. The route of infection is ascending from the perianal area and vagina via the urethra and into the bladder. However, in uncomplicated lower UTIs, there is complete clearing of bacteriuria and hematuria with appropriate antimicrobial therapy. In some cases, single-dose antimicrobial therapy after intercourse or at the onset of irritative voiding symptoms is adequate to control frequent recurrences of cystitis. Uncomplicated recurrent lower UTIs in women must be differentiated from “reinfection,” which may indicate causes such as a vesicovaginal or vesicoenteric fistula or a paravesical abscess with fistula to the bladder. Furthermore, “bacterial persistence” is defined as an infection with the same organism, typically from a site within the urinary tract, after the bacteriuria has resolved for at least several days and antimicrobial therapy has ceased. Causes of bacterial persistence include calculi, foreign bodies, urethral or bladder diverticula, infected urachal cyst, and postoperative changes such as a remaining ureteral stump that retains urine and results in stasis. In such patients with frequent recurrences and reinfections with the same bacteria, imaging is indicated to detect a treatable condition and monitor its progress. Compromised immunity needs attention to avoid longstanding morbidity. Vaccine developed will lead more prevention in future.

Infections and antibiotic prescribing in Swedish nursing homes: A cross-sectional study

The aim of this study was to present and assess the treatment of infections in Swedish nursing homes. It included 58 nursing homes with 3002 residents. During 3 months, nurses in the nursing homes recorded all infections requiring a physician's opinion. Of the 889 infectious episodes, 84% were treated with antibiotics. Many of the antibiotics were issued after indirect contact with the physician (38%). Indications for antibiotics were in 55% of the cases urinary tract infections (UTI), in 17% skin and soft-tissue infections and in 15% respiratory tract infections (RTI). The most common antibiotics were penicillins (38%), followed by quinolones (23%) and trimethoprim (18%). For the major indication, lower UTI in women, half of the cases were not treated according to the recommendations. The main concerns were length of treatment and overprescribing of quinolones. For the second major diagnosis, pneumonia, the high use of doxycycline could be questioned. Continuing education on infections and their treatment in nursing homes is needed. Training should preferably include both physicians and nurses as a high proportion of antibiotics is issued without direct contact with the physician.

Molecular Epidemiology of Staphylococcus saprophyticus Isolated from Women with Uncomplicated Community-Acquired Urinary Tract Infection

Staphylococcus saprophyticus is a common cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women. Little is known about the molecular epidemiology of S. saprophyticus UTIs. In the current study, we compared 76 isolates of S. saprophyticus prospectively isolated from women with uncomplicated UTI participating in a randomized placebo-controlled treatment trial performed in northern Sweden from 1995 to 1997 with 50 strains obtained in 2006 from five different locations in northern Europe with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). The aim was to elucidate the molecular epidemiology of this uropathogenic species and to investigate whether specific clones are associated with UTI in women. A total of 47 different PFGE profiles were detected among the 126 analyzed isolates. Ten clusters consisting of 5 to 12 isolates each showing PFGE DNA similarity of >85% were identified. Several clusters of genetically highly related isolates were detected in the original trial as well as among isolates obtained during 2006 from different locations. In the original trial, clonal persistence was found among 16 of 21 (76%) patients examined in the placebo group at follow-up 8 to 10 days after inclusion, indicating a low spontaneous short-time bacteriological cure rate. We conclude that multiple clones of S. saprophyticus were causing lower UTIs in women. The result suggests that some human-pathogenic clones of S. saprophyticus are spread over large geographical distances and that such clones may persist over long periods of time.

Clinical and bacteriological outcome of different doses and duration of pivmecillinam compared with placebo therapy of uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection in women: The LUTIW project

Objective. To analyse associations between symptoms and bacteriuria in uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection in women (LUTIW) and to evaluate outcome of therapy with three different regimens of pivmecillinam or placebo. Design. Prospective, multicentre, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled therapy study. Symptoms registered at inclusion, during therapy and at follow-up visits after 8–10 and 35–49 days. Significant bacteriuria defined according to current European guidelines. Setting. A total of 18 primary healthcare centres in northern Sweden. Subjects. Women aged 18 years and above with symptoms of urgency, dysuria, supra pubic or loin pain. Main outcome measures. Symptoms and bacteriuria at inclusion and course of symptoms, bacteriuria, and their combinations during and post-therapy. Results. At inclusion, no associations or significant differences were found between symptom scores and bacteriuria, bacterial counts, or species. The 884 patients (77%) with significant bacteriuria were followed up. All pivmecillinam therapies were superior to placebo (p < 0.001). From day six until first follow-up, the mean values of all symptoms were higher and the bacteriological cure was lower at first follow-up in the three days (84%) compared with the seven days regimens (93–94%, p < 0.001). At final follow-up clinical cure was similar in all pivmecillinam regimens (65–72%) as was bacteriological cure (83–89%). Pivmecillinam had few low to mild adverse reactions, comparable to placebo. Conclusions. Symptoms are not conclusive for diagnosis of LUTIW. Pivmecillinam therapies are superior to placebo and seven days regimens are more efficient than three days. Pivmecillinam 200 mg×2×7 days is recommended as a first-line therapy for LUTIW.

Urinary tract infections, antibiotic resistance and sales of antimicrobial drugs: An observational study of uncomplicated urinary tract infections in Icelandic women

Objectives - To analyse the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of bacteria causing symptomatic but otherwise uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections (UTI) in primary health care and the sales of antimicrobial drugs. Setting - Primary health care in Akureyri District, Northern Iceland, with about 17,400 inhabitants. Patients - A total of 516 episodes of symptomatic but otherwise uncomplicated lower UTI in women 10 to 69 years of age. Main outcome measures - Number of verified UTI, bacterial species, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern, and total sales of antimicrobial drugs. Results - Escherichia coli was by far the most common cause of UTI (83%), followed by Staphylococcus saprophyticus (7%). Infections caused by E. coli resistant to ampicillin accounted for 36% of cases, with the corresponding figures for sulfafurazol being 37%, cephalothin 45%, trimethoprim 13% and mecillinam 14%. Only 1% of the strains were resistant to nitrofurantoin. The total use of antimicrobial drugs was 17.4 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day. Conclusions - The resistance of bacteria causing uncomplicated UTI to common antimicrobials is high and must be taken into account when selecting treatment strategies. High consumption of antibiotics in the community indicates possible association.

Acupuncture in the prophylaxis of recurrent lower urinary tract infection in adult women

Objective - To evaluate the effect of acupuncture in the prevention of recurrent lower urinary tract infection (UTI) in adult women. Design - A controlled clinical trial with three arms: an acupuncture group, a sham-acupuncture group, and an untreated control group. Patients were followed for 6 months. Setting - An acupuncture clinic in Bergen, Norway. Subjects - Sixty-seven adult women with a history of recurrent lower UTI. Main outcome measures - Acute lower UTIs during the 6-month observation period. Results - Eighty-five percent were free of lower UTI during the 6-month observation period in the acupuncture group, compared with 58% in the sham group (p<0.05), and 36% in the control group (p<0.01). There were half as many episodes of lower UTI per person-half-year in the acupuncture group as in the sham group, and a third as many as in the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion - Acupuncture seems a worthwhile alternative in the prevention of recurring lower UTI in women.