Bacteriuria in pregnancy

The urinary tract undergoes profound physiologic and anatomic changes during pregnancy that facilitate the development of symptomatic urinary tract infections in women with bacteriuria. While the adverse effects of asymptomatic bacteriuria on maternal and fetal health continue to be debated, it is clear that asymptomatic bacteriuria is the major risk factor for developing symptomatic urinary tract infection and that symptomatic infections are associated with significant maternal and fetal risks. Because the majority of symptomatic urinary tract infections develop in women with bacteriuria earlier in pregnancy, treatment of bacteriuria is undertaken to prevent symptomatic infections. All women should be screened at the first antenatal visit, which is reliably and inexpensively done with a dipstick culture. Short-course therapy is as effective as prolonged therapy and should be followed with a repeat culture to document clearing of the bacteriuria. Failure to eliminate bacteriuria with repeated therapy or recurrence with the same organism is indicative of renal parenchymal infection or a structural abnormality. All women with persistent bacteriuria or recurrent infection should have follow-up cultures and a complete urologic evaluation after delivery.     

Harnwegsinfektionen

Urinary tract infections occur very frequently in the community and in hospitalized patients and are mainly caused by Escherichia (E.) coli. Depending on virulence determinants of uropathogenic microorganisms and host-specific defense mechanisms, urinary tract infections can manifest as cystitis, pyelonephritis (bacterial interstitial nephritis), bacteremia or urosepsis. Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in otherwise healthy women should be treated for 3?C7 days depending on the antibiotic therapy chosen, even if spontaneous remission rates of up to 40% have been reported. Antibiotics of the first choice for empirical treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infection are fluoroquinolones, pivmecillinam and fosfomycin. A huge problem is the increasing antimicrobial resistance of uropathogenic microorganisms. Complicated urinary tract infections associated with anatomical and/or functional abnormalities of the urinary tract and/or comorbidities such as diabetes or immunosuppressive therapy, need longer antibiotic treatment (e.g. 10?C14 days) as well as interdisciplinary diagnostic procedures. Treatment of community acquired urosepsis includes cephalosporins of the third generation, piperacillin/tazobactam or ciprofloxacin. For nosocomial urosepsis the combination with an aminoglycoside or a carbapenem is recommended.     

Urinary tract infections

Urinary tract infections occur very frequently in the community and in hospitalized patients and are mainly caused by Escherichia (E.) coli. Depending on virulence determinants of uropathogenic microorganisms and host-specific defense mechanisms, urinary tract infections can manifest as cystitis, pyelonephritis (bacterial interstitial nephritis), bacteremia or urosepsis. Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in otherwise healthy women should be treated for 3-7 days depending on the antibiotic therapy chosen, even if spontaneous remission rates of up to 40% have been reported. Antibiotics of the first choice for empirical treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infection are fluoroquinolones, pivmecillinam and fosfomycin. A huge problem is the increasing antimicrobial resistance of uropathogenic microorganisms. Complicated urinary tract infections associated with anatomical and/or functional abnormalities of the urinary tract and/or comorbidities such as diabetes or immunosuppressive therapy, need longer antibiotic treatment (e.g. 10-14 days) as well as interdisciplinary diagnostic procedures. Treatment of community acquired urosepsis includes cephalosporins of the third generation, piperacillin/tazobactam or ciprofloxacin. For nosocomial urosepsis the combination with an aminoglycoside or a carbapenem is recommended.     

雌激素替代辅助治疗老年绝经女性再发性下尿路感染

目的研究雌激素替代辅助治疗老年女性再发性下尿路感染的疗效。方法绝经期后再发性下尿路感染患者146例,随机分为2组,治疗组采用7-甲异炔诺酮(livial,利维爱)或雌三醇(ovestin,欧维婷)联合抗生素,对照组则只采用抗生素治疗。随访观察治疗后6月内的情况。结果随着时间的推移,雌激素辅助治疗组下尿路感染的再发生率逐渐降低,3月时差异最显著;但雌激素停用3月后2组的再发感染率又归于相近。结论对于在治疗老年女性再发性下尿路感染时长期使用雌激素辅助疗法的利弊,临床上尚需要进一步研究。     

The menopause and HRT. Urogenital effects of hormone therapy

The urogenital tract and lower urinary tract are sensitive to the effects of oestrogen and progesterone throughout adult life. Epidemiological studies have implicated oestrogen deficiency in the aetiology of lower urinary tract symptoms occurring following the menopause. Although to date the role of oestrogen replacement therapy in the management of post-menopausal urinary incontinence remains controversial, its use in the management of women complaining of urogenital atrophy is now well established. This aim of this chapter is to review the recent evidence regarding the urogenital effects of hormone therapy with a particular emphasis on the management of post-menopausal urinary incontinence, recurrent lower urinary tract infections and urogenital atrophy.     

Management of recurrent urinary tract infections with patient-administered single-dose therapy

In a randomized crossover trial, 38 women with recurrent urinary tract infections were assigned to use either continuous prophylaxis with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or intermittent self-administered therapy (single-dose trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole taken for acute urinary symptoms). The infection rate for patients on prophylaxis was 0.2 episodes/patient-year compared with 2.2 infections/patient-year for patients on self-administered therapy (p less than 0.001). Thirty-five of thirty-eight symptomatic episodes diagnosed by patients as infection were confirmed microbiologically, and 30 of the 35 infections responded clinically and microbiologically to patient-administered therapy with single-dose trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. No complications were seen in the 5 patients in whom therapy failed. The annual costs of prophylaxis and self-therapy were similar ($256 and $239, respectively) and both were less expensive than conventional therapy in women having 2 or more infections per year. In selected women, self-therapy is efficacious and economical compared with conventional therapy or prophylaxis.     

Infection in the elderly

Many functional, demographic, and immunologic changes associated with aging are responsible for increasing the incidence and severity of infectious diseases in the elderly. Management is complicated by age-related organ system changes. Because many of the elderly are on multiple medications for underlying illnesses, antimicrobial therapy needs to be chosen keeping drug interactions and adverse events in mind. Common infections seen in the elderly are infections of skin and soft tissue, urinary tract, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract. Organized and well-funded programs to address infectious disease issues in the elderly are the only way to improve care.     

Pregnancy complications and birth outcomes of pregnant women with urinary tract infections and related drug treatments

Maternal urinary tract infections in pregnancy showed an association with a higher rate of preterm birth in previous studies. The aim of this study was to check this relationship, and in addition to evaluate the efficacy of recent medical treatments. The population-based large control (without any defects) data set of the Hungarian Case-Control Surveillance System of Congenital Abnormalities was evaluated. Of 38,151 newborn infants, 2188 (5.7%) had mothers with urinary tract infections during pregnancy, and 90% of these maternal diseases were prospectively and medically recorded. The prevalence of pre-eclampsia and polyhydramnios showed an association with urinary tract infections during pregnancy. Pregnant women with urinary tract infections in pregnancy had a somewhat shorter gestational age (0.1 week) and a higher proportion of preterm births (10.4% vs 9.1%). These differences were correlated with the severity of urinary tract infections. However, the preterm-inducing effect of maternal urinary tract infections is preventable by some antimicrobial drugs such as ampicillin, cefalexin and cotrimoxazole. In conclusion, maternal urinary tract infections during pregnancy increase pre-eclampsia and polyhydramnios, and in addition the rate of preterm birth; however, the latter is preventable by appropriate drug treatments.     

Diagnostic investigation of pyelonephritis

Urinary tract infections are common, especially among women, and cause significant morbidity. While prognosis is probably more dependent on whether or not an episode of urinary tract infection is complicated (ie, associated with functional, metabolic, or anatomic abnormalities of the urinary tract) or uncomplicated, anatomic localization of infection has important implications for therapy. Pyelonephritis is difficult to diagnose with a high degree of accuracy based on clinical findings alone. Radiologic imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis and management of selected patients. Noninvasive and inexpensive methods to allow accurate localization of infection are needed.     

Renal infection in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

Upper urinary tract (renal) infections have been reported to be frequent and difficult to treat in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. This study examined renal infections and responses to therapy in this patient population. Fifteen cyst infections and 11 parenchymal infections occurred during the study. Eighty-seven percent of the cyst and 91 percent of the parenchymal infections occurred in women. Gram-negative enterics were the causative organisms in 92 percent of the cyst and 100 percent of the parenchymal infections. All of the parenchymal but only one of the cyst infections responded to therapy with ampicillin and an aminoglycoside despite favorable sensitivities. Eighty-three percent of the cyst infections were eradicated with use of lipid-soluble antibiotics. It is concluded that Cyst infections are refractory to therapy with the antibiotics commonly used to treat urinary infections; Female preference and enteric organism predominance suggest that these renal infections are acquired retrograde from the urinary bladder.     

Harnwegsinfektionen

Urinary tract infections are characterized by the triad of typical symptoms, the presence of microorganisms and leukocytes in urine. Based on the site of symptoms, medical history and symptom-oriented physical examination, most cases can be assigned to one of the predefined groups with respect to diagnostic procedures and therapy. Infections are stratified as upper and lower urinary tract infections in combination with different patient characteristics. A urinary tract infection is considered as being complicated if functional or anatomical abnormalities exist or if the patient has comorbidities which favor serious complications or treatment failure. Sustained treatment success of urinary tract infections is often not achievable without improving these complicating factors. After the diagnosis of symptomatic urinary tract infections an empirical, antibiotic therapy should be initiated.     

Diagnosis and treatment of acute urinary tract infections

Acute urinary tract infections are a major health problem in adult women. This discussion presents a practical approach to their diagnosis and treatment that incorporates recent research developments and that is designed to minimize the cost and adverse effects of therapy while maintaining therapeutic efficacy.     

GAG Layer Replenishment Therapy for Recurrent Infectious Bladder Dysfunction

While it may serve functions as a permeability barrier, the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) layer is thought to function as an antibacterial coating for the bladder by retarding the adhesion of pathogens. Further research has confirmed that in patients with diseases involving bladder damage, such as interstitial cystitis and urinary tract infections, the GAG layer is damaged and in some cases may fail to differentiate properly. GAG replacement therapy with intravesical instillations of hyaluronic acid and proteoglycans such as chondroitin sulfate has been shown to be an effective therapeutic option for patients suffering from these conditions. Additionally, these intravesical therapies have been shown to be promising in combination therapy and as a prophylactic treatment option for patients at high risk of urinary tract infections.     

Epidemiologie und Therapie bakterieller Infektionen in der Geriatrie

As the elderly segment of our population expands, there is an increase of therapeutic problems considering this age group. The elderly patient is generally susceptible to infections because of the decline in host defense mechanisms that occurs with aging, and the underlying chronic diseases of these patients. Increasing numbers of elderly people are being treated in hospitals and are additionally at particular risk of acquiring nosocomial infections with antibiotic-resistant organisms. This article focuses on the epidemiological considerations, risk factors, types of infections that occur in elderly patients, and the guidelines for empiric therapy. The most common infections of the elderly are respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, and skin and soft tissue infection. Empirical therapy should be broader in spectrum for elderly patients since the variety of infecting bacteria tends to be greater and the choice of antimicrobial therapy must be based on risk stratification (age, medical illnesses, and severity of presentation). Many additional aspects, e.g., route of administration, drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, drug toxicity and drug-drug interactions, compliance, and multiple underlying diseases (e.g., renal failure) must be considered in the rational selection of antibiotic regimen.     

Prostatitis and urinary tract infection in men: what's new; what's true?

Urinary tract and prostatic infections are common in men, and most are treated by primary providers. Acute bacterial prostatitis is caused by uropathogens, presents with a tender prostate gland, and responds promptly to antibiotic therapy. Chronic bacterial prostatitis is a subacute infection, may present with a variety of pelvic pain and voiding symptoms, and is characterized by recurrent urinary tract infections. Effective treatment may be difficult and requires prolonged antibiotic therapy. Nonbacterial prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome are more common than bacterial prostatitis, and their etiologies are largely unknown. Treatment for both nonbacterial disorders is primarily symptomatic. An underlying anatomic or functional condition usually complicates urinary tract infections in men, but uncomplicated infections occur, often related to sexual activity. Gram-negative bacilli cause most urinary tract and prostate infections. Therapy for prostatic infections requires an agent that penetrates prostatic tissue and secretions, such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or, preferably, a fluoroquinolone. Duration of antibiotic therapy is typically 1 to 2 weeks for cystitis, 4 weeks for acute bacterial prostatitis, and 6 to 12 weeks for chronic bacterial prostatitis. Long-term suppressive antibiotic therapy and nonspecific measures aimed at palliation may be useful in selected patients with recurrent bacteriuria or persistent symptoms of chronic bacterial prostatitis.     

Urinary tract infections in the 90s: Pathogenesis and management

Urinary tract infections are one of the most common types of infection encountered in the practice of medicine. Recent discussions have focused on our current knowledge of natural host defenses that function during normal physiologic conditions in an attempt to prevent urinary infections. However, increased susceptibility to these infections may result from intrinsic risk factors that alter host defenses, or from extrinsic risk factors. Advances in the treatment of urinary infections have focused on short course therapy for women with uncomplicated lower tract infections, and on oral therapy in women with mild acute uncomplicated pyelonephritis. Also, in the area of prevention, reasonable candidates for antimicrobial prophylaxis have been identified. Even so, further studies are needed to define more clearly our understanding of the pathogenesis, treatment, and prevention of infections of the urinary tract.Harnwegsinfektionen gehören zu den am häufigsten in der Praxis auftretenden Infektionen. Mit dem Ziel der Prävention von Harnwegsinfektionen stehen vor allem die natürlichen Abwehrmechanismen unter normalen physiologischen Bedingungen im Zentrum der Diskussion. Für erhöhte Empfänglichkeit können intrinsische Risikofaktoren, die zu einer Veränderung der Abwehrlage führen, oder extrinsische Risikofaktoren verantwortlich sein. Als neue therapeutische Entwicklungen stehen vor allem Kurzzeittherapien bei Frauen mit unkomplizierter Harnwegsinfektion und orale Therapien bei Frauen mit leichten Formen der unkomplizierten Pyelonephritis zur Diskussion. Für eine antimikrobielle Prophylaxe liegen ebenfalls brauchbare Vorschläge vor. Allerdings ist weitere Forschungsarbeit zur Aufklärung der Pathogenese und Optimierung der Behandlung und Prävention von Harnwegsinfektionen erforderlich.     

Urinary tract infections and chronic renal failure

The paper briefly summarizes issues related to urinary tract infections in adults: predispositions and risk factors, classification, assessment of pathogenicity of bacterial agents, the role of bacteriuria and leucocyturia, interpretation of findings, treatment principles and an association with chronic renal failure. Urinary tract infections are the second most frequent infectious disease in the population. They most often affect women of childbearing potential and then seniors of both sexes who have multiple risk factors. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus saprophyticus are the most pathogenic towards urinary tract; they are responsible for 85% and 10-15% of cases of acute uncomplicated urinary infections, respectively. Chronic pyelonephritis, a chronic interstitial nephritis, is the fourth most frequent cause of chronic renal failure. Chronic renal failure is a risk factor for the development of urinary infections due to metabolic disorders resulting in secondary immunodeficiencywith a disorder of all components of immunity. In patients with chronic renal failure, urinary tract infections occur most frequently after kidney transplantation when graft pyelonephritis is a life-threatening complication. Therefore, urinary tract infection prevention with co-trimoxazole once daily over at least 6 months is recommended in renal allograft recipients.     

Urinary tract infection.

Urinary tract infections are the most common bacterial infections experienced by elderly patients. These infections are often asymptomatic, although on occasion they produce discomfort for selective older patients (particularly those with obstructive uropathy), and present a risk for bacteremia, septic shock, adult respiratory distress syndrome, and death. The limited available data suggest that there are major differences with regard to pathogenesis, microbiology, clinical features, laboratory abnormalities, and therapy between young and elderly women who develop symptomatic pyelonephritis. There is a need to provide a standard antibiotic prophylaxis program to those elderly patients with specific cardiac conditions who are scheduled to undergo urinary procedures.     

Urinary tract infections due to Candida albicans

Infection of the urinary tract due to Candida albicans is an uncommon but well-described complication of modern therapeutics. Despite the rarity of this infection, culture of properly collected urine yielding C. albicans requires an explanation. The significance of systemic factors in the defense of the urinary tract against candidal infection is unknown, but secretions from the prostate gland in men and from periurethral glands in women have been reported to be fungistatic. In addition, growth of Candida at sites on mucous membranes may be suppressed by other normal flora. Conditions that predispose to candiduria include diabetes mellitus, antibiotic and corticosteroid therapy, as well as factors such as local physiology and disturbance of urine flow. Lower urinary tract candidiasis is usually the result of a retrograde infection, while renal parenchymal infection most often follows candidemia. In addition to asymptomatic candiduria, recognized clinical forms of candidal urinary tract infections include bladder infection, renal parenchymal infection, and infections associated with fungus ball formation. Unfortunately, clinical criteria alone are insufficient to distinguish reliably among these clinical types. If the urine is found to contain candidal organisms, the condition of the patient should be considered for determination of appropriate therapy. When infection is thought to be confined to the bladder, patients without indwelling bladder catheters should be considered for flucytosine therapy. For patients requiring indwelling bladder catheterization, irrigation with amphotericin B is usually successful. Although flucytosine alone may be useful for renal parenchymal candidal infection, iv amphotericin B alone or the combination of amphotericin B and flucytosine is indicated when systemic candidiasis cannot be excluded.     

Clinical experience with Sulprim

Sulprim is composed of trimethoprim and sulphametoxazol. By potentiation of a bactericidal effect develops with a very broad antibacterial spectre. The Polish experiences in the therapy of infections of the urinary tracts, infections of the respiratory tract, gonorrhoea, bacterial skin diseases, combustions and paediatric infections confirm the equivalence with foreign preparations of the same composition. All side effects were reversible.