Prevalence and factors associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs) in very old women

Diagnosis of urinary tract infections in the hospitalized older adult population in Alberta

BACKGROUND

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common infections reported in older adults, across all settings. Although a diagnosis of a UTI requires specific clinical and microbiological criteria, many older adults are diagnosed with a UTI without meeting the diagnostic criteria, resulting in unnecessary antibiotic treatment and their potential side effects, and a failure to find the true cause of their presentation to hospital.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of UTI diagnoses amongst hospitalized older adults based on clinical and microbiological findings, and their corresponding antibiotic treatment (including complications), in addition to identifying possible factors associated with a confirmed UTI diagnosis.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective cross-sectional study of older adult patients (n = 238) hospitalized at the University of Alberta Hospital with an admission diagnosis of UTI over a one-year period was performed.

RESULTS

44.6% (n = 106) of patients had a diagnosis of UTI which was supported by documents clinical and microbiological findings while 43.3% (n = 103) of patients had bacteriuria without documented symptoms. 54.2% (n = 129) of all patients were treated with antibiotics, despite not having evidence to support a diagnosis of a UTI, with 15.9% (n = 37) of those patients experiencing complications including diarrhea, Clostridioides difficile infection, and thrush. History of major neurocognitive disorder was significantly associated with diagnosis of UTI (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

UTIs are commonly misdiagnosed in hospitalized older adults by healthcare providers, resulting in the majority of such patients receiving unnecessary antibiotics, increasing the risk of complications. These findings will allow for initiatives to educate clinicians on the importance of UTI diagnosis in an older adult population and appropriately prescribing antibiotics to prevent unwanted complications.

Population incidence and associated mortality of urinary tract infection in people living with dementia

OBJECTIVES

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) frequently cause hospitalisation and death in people living with dementia (PLWD). We examine UTI incidence and associated mortality among PLWD relative to matched controls and people with diabetes and investigate whether delayed or withheld treatment further impacts mortality.

METHODS

Data were extracted for n = 2,449,814 people aged ≥ 50 in Wales from 2000-2021, with groups matched by age, sex, and multimorbidity. Poisson regression was used to estimate incidences of UTI and mortality. Cox regression was used to study the effects of treatment timing.

RESULTS

UTIs in dementia (HR=2.18, 95 %CI [1.88-2.53], p < .0) and diabetes (1.21[1.01-1.45], p = .035) were associated with high mortality, with the highest risk in individuals with diabetes and dementia (both) (2.83[2.40-3.34], p < .0) compared to matched individuals with neither dementia nor diabetes. 5.4 % of untreated PLWD died within 60 days of GP diagnosis-increasing to 5.9 % in PLWD with diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Incidences of UTI and associated mortality are high in PLWD, especially in those with diabetes and dementia. Delayed treatment for UTI is further associated with high mortality.

Prevalence, antibiotic resistance pattern for bacteriuria from patients with urinary tract infections

Background and Aims

Antibiotic resistance presents a significant global public health challenge, particularly for urinary tract infections (UTIs), and is notably severe in developing countries. Surveillance of the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of UTI-causing bacteria is crucial for effective treatment selection. This study aimed to analyze these patterns in bacteria isolated from the urine samples of patients at Mughda Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Methods

A retrospective study (January 2019 to December 2020) at Mugdha Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka, examined clinical and laboratory data from patients with positive urine cultures (≥105 CFU/mL). The study classified patients into four age groups: children (1-<18 years), young adults (18-<33 years), middle-aged adults (33-50 years), and old adults (>50 years). The standard Kirby-Bauer method was used to assess antibiotic sensitivity to 28 common antibiotics.

Results

Among 243 positive urine cultures in both community- and hospital-acquired UTIs, Escherichia coli was the most common uropathogen (65.84%), followed by Klebsiella spp. (12.34%), Enterococcus spp. (8.23%), and other types of bacteria.

Conclusion

Old adults are particularly vulnerable to UTIs, with E. coli being the predominant causative agent in the study region. The observed antimicrobial resistance patterns underscore the necessity of judicious antibiotic selection to effectively treat UTIs across different age groups.

Uropathogens' Antibiotic Resistance Evolution in a Female Population: A Sequential Multi-Year Comparative Analysis

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) represent a common finding among females and an important basis for antibiotic treatment. Considering the significant increase in antibiotic resistance during the last decades, this study retrospectively follows the incidence of uropathogens and the evolution of resistance rates in the short and medium term. The current study was conducted at the "Prof. Dr. Th. Burghele" Clinical Hospital, including 1124 positive urine cultures, in three periods of four months between 2018 and 2022. Escherichia coli was the most frequent uropathogen (54.53%), followed by Klebsiella spp. (16.54%), and Enterococcus spp. (14.59%). The incidence of UTIs among the female population is directly proportional to age, with few exceptions. The highest overall resistance in Gram-negative uropathogens was observed for levofloxacin 30.69%, followed by ceftazidime 13.77% and amikacin 9.86%. The highest resistance in Gram-positive uropathogens was observed for levofloxacin 2018-R = 34.34%, 2020-R = 50.0%, and 2022-R = 44.92%, and penicillin 2018-R = 36.36%, 2020-R = 41.17%, and 2022-R = 37.68%. In Gram-negative uropathogens, a linear evolution was observed for ceftazidime 2018-R = 11.08%, 2020-R = 13.58%, and 2022-R = 17.33%, and levofloxacin 2018-R = 28.45%, 2020-R = 33.33%, and 2022-R = 35.0%. The current knowledge dictates the need to continuously assess antimicrobial resistance patterns, information that is necessary for treatment recommendations. The present study aims to determine the current situation and the evolution trends according to the current locoregional situation.

17β-estradiol ameliorates delirium-like phenotypes in a murine model of urinary tract infection

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common and frequently precipitate delirium-like states. Advanced age coincident with the postmenopausal period is a risk factor for delirium following UTIs. We previously demonstrated a pathological role for interleukin-6 (IL-6) in mediating delirium-like phenotypes in a murine model of UTI. Estrogen has been implicated in reducing peripheral IL-6 expression, but it is unknown whether the increased susceptibility of postmenopausal females to developing delirium concomitant with UTIs reflects diminished effects of circulating estrogen. Here, we tested this hypothesis in a mouse model of UTI. Female C57BL/6J mice were oophorectomized, UTIs induced by transurethral inoculation of E. coli, and treated with 17β-estradiol. Delirium-like behaviors were evaluated prior to and following UTI and 17β-estradiol treatment. Compared to controls, mice treated with 17β-estradiol had less neuronal injury, improved delirium-like behaviors, and less plasma and frontal cortex IL-6. In vitro studies further showed that 17β-estradiol may also directly mediate neuronal protection, suggesting pleiotropic mechanisms of 17β-estradiol-mediated neuroprotection. In summary, we demonstrate a beneficial role for 17β-estradiol in ameliorating acute UTI-induced structural and functional delirium-like phenotypes. These findings provide pre-clinical justification for 17β-estradiol as a therapeutic target to ameliorate delirium following UTI.

Association between osteoarthritis and urinary tract infection in older adults: A nationwide population-based cohort study

Osteoarthritis (OA) may increase urinary tract infection (UTI) in older adults. However, this issue remains unclear. We identified 8599 older patients (≥65 years) with OA, and an equal number of older patients without OA, matched by age, sex, and index date from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database between 2001 and 2005. Past histories, including UTI and underlying comorbidities, were included in the analyses. Comparisons for any UTI, ≥1 hospitalization for UTI, and ≥3 hospitalizations for UTI between the 2 cohorts by following up until 2015 were performed. In both cohorts, the percentages of age subgroups were 65-74 years (65.7%), 75-84 years (30.1%), and ≥85 years (4.2%). The male sex was 42.4%. Patients with OA had an increased risk of any UTI compared with those without OA after adjusting for all past histories (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR]: 1.72; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.64-1.80). Compared with patients without OA, patients with OA also had an increased risk of ≥1 hospitalization for UTI and ≥3 hospitalizations for UTI (AHR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.06-1.19 and AHR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.13-1.38, respectively). In addition to OA, age 75-84 years, female sex, history of UTI, benign prostatic hyperplasia, indwelling urinary catheter, cerebrovascular disease, dementia, and urolithiasis were independent predictors for any UTI. This study showed that OA was associated with UTI in older adults. We suggest appropriately managing OA and controlling underlying comorbidities to prevent subsequent UTI.

Treatment and outcomes among patients ≥85 years hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia

Our objective was to describe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) among patients ≥85 years and compare them to patients aged 65-74. This was a retrospective cohort study. The study setting included 638 hospitals in the USA participating in the Premier database from 2010 to 2015. The study participants were 488,382 adults aged ≥65 years hospitalized with CAP. Patients ≥85 years were more likely to be white (79.8% vs 76.2%), female (58.1% vs 48.3%), and admitted with aspiration pneumonia (17.1% vs 7.0%) as compared with those aged 65-75 years. They had higher rates of dementia (30.4% vs 7.8%), but lower rates of diabetes (11.2% vs 17.6%) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (25.5% vs 54.7%). While Staphylococcus aureus (33.4%) was the most common pathogen across all age groups, patients aged ≥85 were more likely to have Escherichia coli pneumonia (16.1% vs 10.7%) compared with those aged 65-74. In adjusted models, patients aged ≥85 had greater in-hospital mortality (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.18), but were less likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.55) and receive mechanical ventilation (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.48). They also had lower rates of acute kidney injury (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.00) and Clostridium difficile infection (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.99), shorter lengths of stay (mean multiplier 0.93, 95% CI 0.92 to 0.93) and lower cost (mean multiplier 0.81, 95% CI 0.80 to 0.81), and were more likely to be discharged to a skilled nursing facility (OR 2.19, 95% CI 2.15 to 2.24) or hospice (OR 2.19, 95% CI 2.11 to 2.27). In conclusion, patients aged ≥85 have different comorbidities and etiologies of CAP, receive less intense treatment, and have greater mortality than patients between 65 and 75 years.

Clinical and Demographic Profiles of Home Care Patients With Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias: Implications for Information Transfer Across Care Settings

Home health care (HHC) clinicians serving individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) do not always have information about the person's ADRD diagnosis, which may be used to improve the HHC plan of care. This retrospective cohort study examined characteristics of 56,652 HHC patients with varied documentation of ADRD diagnoses. Data included clinical assessments and Medicare claims for a 6-month look-back period and 4-year follow-up. Nearly half the sample had an ADRD diagnosis observed in the claims either prior to or following the HHC admission. Among those with a prior diagnosis, 63% did not have it documented on the HHC assessment; the diagnosis may not have been known to the HHC team or incorporated into the care plan. Patients with ADRD had heightened risk for adverse outcomes (e.g., urinary tract infection and aspiration pneumonia). Interoperable data across health care settings should include ADRD-specific elements about diagnoses, symptoms, and risk factors.

Global, regional, and national burden of urinary tract infections from 1990 to 2019: an analysis of the global burden of disease study 2019

PURPOSE

We aimed to estimate the burden of UTIs by age, sex, and socioeconomic status in 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019.

METHODS

We used data from Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019 to analyse the incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) due to UTIs at the global, regional, and national levels. Estimates are presented as numbers and age-standardised or age-specific rates per 100,000 population, with 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). We further explored the associations between the incidence, mortality, DALYs, and socio-demographic index (SDI) as a proxy for the development status of regions and countries.

RESULTS

In 2019, more than 404.6 million (95% UI 359.4-446.5) individuals had UTIs globally and nearly 236,786 people (198,433-259,034) died of UTIs, contributing to 5.2 million (4.5-5.7) DALYs. The age-standardised incidence rate increased from 4715.0 (4174.2-5220.6) per 100,000 population in 1990 to 5229.3 (4645.3-5771.2) per 100,000 population in 2019. At the GBD regional level, the highest age-standardised incidence rate in 2019 occurred in Tropical Latin America (13,852.9 [12,135.6-15,480.3] per 100,000 population). At the national level, Ecuador had the highest age-standardised incidence rate (15,511.3 [13,685.0-17,375.6] per 100,000 population). The age-standardised death rates were highest in Barbados (19.5 [13.7-23.5] per 100,000 population). In addition, age-standardised incidence, death, and DALY rates generally increased across the SDI.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study results suggest a globally rising trend of UTI burden between 1990 and 2019.

A Cross-Sectional Assessment of Urinary Tract Infections Among Geriatric Patients: Prevalence, Medication Regimen Complexity, and Factors Associated With Treatment Outcomes

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the second most prevalent infection among the elderly population. Hence, the current study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of UTIs among older adults, medication regimen complexity, and the factors associated with the treatment outcomes of elderly patients infected with UTIs.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Urology, Hospital Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. The patients ≥65 years of age were included in the present study with a confirmed diagnosis of UTIs from 2014 to 2018 (5 years).

Results: A total of 460 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in the present study. Cystitis (37.6%) was the most prevalent UTI among the study population followed by asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) (31.9%), pyelonephritis (13.9%), urosepsis (10.2%), and prostatitis (6.4%). Unasyn (ampicillin and sulbactam) was used to treat the UTIs followed by Bactrim (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole), and ciprofloxacin. The factors associated with the treatment outcomes of UTIs were gender (odd ratio [OR] = 1.628; p = 0.018), polypharmacy (OR = 0.647; p = 0.033), and presence of other comorbidities (OR = 2.004; p = 0.002) among the study population.

Conclusion: Cystitis is the most common UTI observed in older adults. Gender, the burden of polypharmacy, and the presence of comorbidities are the factors that directly affect the treatment outcomes of UTIs among the study population.

Interleukin-6 mediates delirium-like phenotypes in a murine model of urinary tract infection

Background

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is frequently implicated as a precipitant of delirium, which refers to an acute confusional state that is associated with high mortality, increased length of stay, and long-term cognitive decline. The pathogenesis of delirium is thought to involve cytokine-mediated neuronal dysfunction of the frontal cortex and hippocampus. We hypothesized that systemic IL-6 inhibition would mitigate delirium-like phenotypes in a mouse model of UTI.

Methods

C57/BL6 mice were randomized to either: (1) non-UTI control, (2) UTI, and (3) UTI + anti-IL-6 antibody. UTI was induced by transurethral inoculation of 1 × 10⁸Escherichia coli. Frontal cortex and hippocampus-mediated behaviors were evaluated using functional testing and corresponding structural changes were evaluated via quantification of neuronal cleaved caspase-3 (CC3) by immunohistochemistry and western blot. IL-6 in the brain and plasma were evaluated using immunohistochemistry, ELISA, and RT-PCR.

Results

Compared to non-UTI control mice, mice with UTI demonstrated significantly greater impairments in frontal and hippocampus-mediated behaviors, specifically increased thigmotaxis in Open Field (p < 0.05) and reduced spontaneous alternations in Y-maze (p < 0.01), while treatment of UTI mice with systemic anti-IL-6 fully reversed these functional impairments. These behavioral impairments correlated with frontal and hippocampal neuronal CC3 changes, with significantly increased frontal and hippocampal CC3 in UTI mice compared to non-UTI controls (p < 0.0001), and full reversal of UTI-induced CC3 neuronal changes following treatment with systemic anti-IL-6 antibody (p < 0.0001). Plasma IL-6 was significantly elevated in UTI mice compared to non-UTI controls (p < 0.01) and there were positive and significant correlations between plasma IL-6 and frontal CC3 (r² = 0.5087/p = 0.0028) and frontal IL-6 and CC3 (r² = 0.2653, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

These data provide evidence for a role for IL-6 in mediating delirium-like phenotypes in a mouse model of UTI. These findings provide pre-clinical justification for clinical investigations of IL-6 inhibitors to treat UTI-induced delirium.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-021-02304-x.

Association between body mass index and urinary tract infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational cohort studies

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Very few studies have investigated the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and risk of urinary tract infection (UTI), and conclusions from these available studies have been inconsistent. To resolve this inconsistency, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to precisely examine the association between BMI and UTI.

METHODS

This meta-analysis was performed based on the PRISMA recommendations. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar databases were searched for all published observational studies that reported the risk of UTI based on BMI categories up to March 2020.

RESULTS

Fourteen (n = 14) articles comprising 19 studies in different populations met our inclusion criteria. The overall analysis showed a significant increased risk of UTI in subjects affected by obesity vs. individuals without obesity (RR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.28 - 1.63; I² = 94%), and a non-significant increased risk of UTI in subjects who were overweight (RR = 1.03; 95% CI: 0.98 - 1.10; I² = 49.6%) and underweight (RR = 0.99; 95% CI: 0.81 - 21; I² = 0.0%) when compared to subjects who had normal weight. In the stratified analysis, we showed that obesity increased the risk of UTI in females (RR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.38 - 1.93) and in subjects below 60 years old (RR = 1.53; 95% CI: 1.33 - 1.75).

CONCLUSION

This systematic review and meta-analysis recognized a significant relationship between BMI and incidence of UTI in obese vs. non-obese subjects, as well as in females and in individuals below 60 years old.

Associations of delirium with urinary tract infections and asymptomatic bacteriuria in adults aged 65 and older: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

To determine the associations of delirium with urinary tract infection (UTI) and asymptomatic bacteriuria (AB) in individuals aged 65 and older.

Methods

The protocol for this systematic review and meta‐analysis was published on PROSPERO (CRD42020164341). Electronic databases were searched for relevant studies, professional associations and experts in the field were additionally contacted. Studies with control groups reporting associations between delirium and UTI as well as delirium and AB in older adults were included. The random effects model meta‐analysis was conducted using odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) as effect size measures. The Newcastle‐Ottawa scale was used to rate the studies' quality. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Q and I² tests. The effects of potential moderators were investigated by both subgroup and meta‐regression analyses. The risk of publication bias was evaluated using the funnel plot and Egger's test.

Results

Twenty nine relevant studies (16,618 participants) examining the association between delirium and UTI in older adults were identified. The association between delirium and UTI was found to be significant (OR 2.67; 95% CI 2.12–3.36; p < 0.001) and persisted regardless of potential confounders. The association between delirium and AB in older adults in the only eligible study found (192 participants) was insignificant (OR 1.62; 95% CI 0.57–4.65; p = 0.37). All included studies were of moderate quality.

Conclusion

The results of this study support the association between delirium and UTI in older adults. Insufficient evidence was found to conclude on an association between delirium and AB in this age group. These findings are limited due to the moderate quality of the included studies and a lack of available research on the association between delirium and AB. Future studies should use the highest quality approaches for defining both delirium and UTI and consider AB in their investigations.

Prevalence and risk factors of delirium in psychogeriatric outpatients

BACKGROUND

Delirium is a serious neuropsychiatric syndrome, which requires timely treatment. However, it is easily missed, especially in older patients with premorbid cognitive disorders.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of delirium in older outpatients with and without dementia.

METHOD

We assessed 444 patients referred to the memory clinic of a psychiatric hospital between March 2013 and March 2014. Demographic information, medical history, impairments in daily living activities and referral information were registered. Patients underwent a psychiatric examination using the Delirium Rating Scale-Revised-98 and cognitive tests, a physical examination and laboratory tests. We recorded medication use and changes before and after the onset of symptoms.

RESULTS

Among the 444 outpatients, 85 had probable delirium (prevalence of 19%), and 10 had subsyndromal delirium (2%). The most common triggers were infection (42%), drug-intoxication or withdrawal (22%), and metabolic/endocrine disturbance (12%). Age (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.02-1.11) and prior delirium (OR 3.34, 95% CI 1.28-8.69) were independent non-modifiable factors associated with an increased risk of delirium. The only independent modifiable risk factor was infection (OR 17.31, 95% CI 8.44-35.49).

CONCLUSIONS

A delirium was detected in one of five patients referred for dementia screening. Most patients could be treated at home. Age and prior delirium were predictive of an increased risk of delirium.

Is there a link between bacteriuria and a reversible encephalopathy in dogs and cats?

Bacteriuria has been associated with abnormal neurological status in humans, especially geriatric patients. In this report, we review 11 cases (seven dogs and four cats) that suggest an association between bacteriuria and abnormal neurological status in veterinary medicine. These cases showed diffuse forebrain signs with or without brainstem signs, but primary brain disease was excluded by MRI and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Bacteriological culture of urine was positive in each animal and neurological deficits improved or resolved with initiation of antibiosis ± fluid therapy and levetiracetam. While further studies are needed to definitively confirm or refute the link between bacteriuria and a reversible encephalopathy, urine bacteriological culture should be considered in veterinary patients presented with acute onset forebrain neuro-anatomical localisation, even in the absence of clinical signs of lower urinary tract inflammation.

[Urinary tract infections in adults: Comparison of the French and the European guidelines]

INTRODUCTION

Acute urinary tract infections (UTIs) in adult are now a major public health issue in terms of morbidity, mortality and in terms of costs for society. The latest French guidelines and the European Association of Urology guidelines differ in some points. The aim of this article is to compare the guidelines of these two societies in order to highlight their differences but also their common points in the management of UTIs.

METHODS

A comparative analysis of the latest French and European guidelines was carried out. The authors defined the following sub-sections: terminology, pyelonephritis, male UTIs, pregnancy urinary tract infections and cystitis.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The guidelines of these two societies are not very different in terms of diagnostic and therapeutic management. The major differences are in the duration of antibiotic therapies, where French guidelines continue to recommend long term treatments where EAU sometimes recommends only 5 days of antibiotics, as in the case of simple acute pyelonephritis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Treatment of urinary tract infections in the old and fragile

INTRODUCTION

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is highly prevalent in the frail elderly population. This review aimed to outline the diagnostic, treatment, and prevention of UTI in the frail aging population.

METHODS

Pubmed and Web of Science search to identify publications until March 2019 relating to the management of UTI in the elderly population was performed. A narrative review of the available literature was performed.

RESULTS

64 publications were considered as relevant and included in this review. The diagnosis of symptomatic UTI in the old and fragile could be challenging. Routine screening and antimicrobial therapy for asymptomatic bacteriuria should not be recommended for frail elderly patients. Cautious choice of antibiotics should be guided by uropathogen identified by culture and sensitivity. Understanding local antibiotic resistance rates plays a fundamental part in selecting appropriate antimicrobial treatment. Impact of associated adverse effect, in particular those with effects on cognitive function, should be considered when deciding choice of antibiotics for symptomatic UTI in the elderlies. Optimal management of comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, adequate treatment of urinary incontinence, and judicious use of urinary catheter is essential to reduce the development of UTI.

CONCLUSION

UTI is a significant but common problem in elderly population. Physicians who care for frail elderly patients must be aware of the challenges in the management of asymptomatic UTI, and identifying symptomatic UTI in this population, and their appropriate management strategies. There is strong need in studies to evaluate nonantimicrobial therapies in the prevention of UTI for the frail elderly population.

Epidemiology of urological infections: a global burden

INTRODUCTION

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most frequent infections in clinical practice worldwide. Their frequency and burden must be higher than available data suggest because they are not among mandatory diseases to be notified.

CLASSIFICATION OF URINARY INFECTIONS

Although there are many different proposals for classifying UTIs, classifications based on acquisition settings and complication status are more widely used. These include community- acquired UTIs (CAUTIs) or healthcare-associated UTIs (HAUTIs) and uncomplicated or complicated UTIs.

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF UROLOGICAL INFECTIONS AND GLOBAL BURDEN

As the most frequently seen infectious disease, CAUTIs affect more than 150 million people annually. Complicated UTIs in particular constitute a huge burden on healthcare systems as a frequent reason for hospitalization. The prevalence of HAUTIs ranges between 1.4% and 5.1%, and the majority of them are catheter-related UTIs. Community-onset HAUTIs have gained importance in recent years.

CONCLUSION

As frequent infectious diseases, UTIs create clinical and economic burdens on healthcare systems, and they also affect quality of life determinants.

Prevalence, incidence, and risk factors of urinary tract infection among immobile inpatients in China: a prospective, multi-centre study

BACKGROUND

Immobile inpatients have a high risk of urinary tract infection (UTI). Additional epidemiological data regarding UTIs among immobile inpatients are needed.

AIM

To investigate the prevalence and incidence of, and risk factors for, UTIs among immobile patients in 25 hospitals throughout China.

METHODS

This was a national multi-centre cross-sectional investigation. We recruited six tertiary hospitals, 12 non-tertiary hospitals, and seven community hospitals. We obtained data regarding demographics, clinically related variables, and UTI-specific variables from immobile patients during their hospitalization. We performed univariate and multivariable analyses, and binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors.

FINDINGS

Among 23,985 immobile patients, 393 had a UTI. The prevalence and incidence of UTIs in hospitalized immobile patients was 1.64% (393/23 985) and 0.69 per 1000 patient-days, respectively. The infection rate of catheter-associated UTI was 2.25 per 1000 urinary catheter-days. We found that a greater number of bedridden days, longer length of hospital stay, being in a medical ward, the presence of an indwelling urethral catheter, prolonged duration of an indwelling catheter, use of glucocorticoids, female sex, diabetes mellitus, and older age were independent risk factors of UTI.

CONCLUSION

Immobile patients had similar risk factors for UTI as the general population, as well as some additional risk factors. Greater attention is needed in the management of UTIs among the population of immobile hospitalized patients.

Trajectory modelling of ambulatory care sensitive conditions in Finland in 1996-2013: assessing the development of equity in primary health care through clustering of geographic areas - an observational retrospective study

Background

Due to stagnating resources and an increase in staff workload, the quality of Finnish primary health care (PHC) is claimed to have deteriorated slowly. With a decentralised PHC organisation and lack of national stewardship, it is likely that municipalities have adopted different coping strategies, predisposing them to geographic disparities. To assess whether these disparities emerge, we analysed health centre area trajectories in hospitalisations due to ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs).

Methods

ACSCs, a proxy for PHC quality, comprises conditions in which hospitalisation could be avoided by timely care. We obtained ACSCs of the total Finnish population aged ≥20 for the years 1996–2013 from the Finnish Hospital Discharge Register, and divided them into subgroups of acute, chronic and vaccine-preventable causes, and calculated annual age-standardised ACSC rates by gender in health centre areas. Using these rates, we conducted trajectory analyses for identifying health centre area clusters using group-based trajectory modelling. Further, we applied area-level factors to describe the distribution of health centre areas on these trajectories.

Results

Three trajectories – and thus separate clusters of health centre areas – emerged with different levels and trends of ACSC rates. During the study period, chronic ACSC rates decreased (40–63%) within each of the clusters, acute ACSC rates remained stable and vaccine-preventable ACSC rates increased (1–41%). While disparities in rate differences in chronic ACSC rates between trajectories narrowed, in the two other ACSC subgroups they increased. Disparities in standardised rate ratios increased in vaccine-preventable and acute ACSC rates between northern cluster and the two other clusters. Compared to the south-western cluster, 13–16% of health centre areas, in rural northern cluster, had 47–92% higher ACSC rates – but also the highest level of morbidity, most limitations on activities of daily living and highest PHC inpatient ward usage as well as the lowest education levels and private health and dental care usage.

Conclusions

We identified three differing trajectories of time trends for ACSC rates, suggesting that the quality of care, particularly in northern Finland health centre areas, may have lagged behind the general improvements. This calls for further investments to strengthen rural area PHC.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12913-019-4449-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Limited evidence for diagnosing bacterial skin infections in older adults in primary care: systematic review

Background

Older adults with bacterial skin infections may present with atypical symptoms, making diagnosis difficult. There is limited authoritative guidance on how older adults in the community present with bacterial skin infections. To date there have been no systematic reviews assessing the diagnostic value of symptoms and signs in identifying bacterial skin infections in older adults in the community.

Methods

We searched Medline and Medline in process, Embase and Web of Science, from inception to September 2017. We included cohort and cross-sectional studies assessing the diagnostic accuracy of symptoms and signs in predicting bacterial skin infections in adults in primary care aged over 65 years. The QUADAS-2 tool was used to assess study quality.

Results

We identified two observational studies of low-moderate quality, with a total of 7991 participants, providing data to calculate the diagnostic accuracy of 5 unique symptoms in predicting bacterial skin infections. The presence of wounds [LR+: 7.93 (CI 4.81–13.1)], pressure sores [LR+: 4.85 (CI 2.18–10.8)] and skin ulcers [LR+: 6.26 (CI 5.49–7.13)] help to diagnose bacterial skin infections. The presence of urinary incontinence does not help to predict bacterial skin infections (LR + ‘s of 0.99 and 1.04; LR-‘s of 0.96 and 1.04).

Conclusions

Currently, there is insufficient evidence to inform the diagnosis of bacterial skin infections in older adults in the community; clinicians should therefore rely upon their clinical judgement and experience. Evidence from high quality primary care studies in older adults, including studies assessing symptoms traditionally associated with bacterial skin infections (e.g. erythema and warmth), is urgently needed to guide practice.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12877-019-1061-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The scientific evidence for a potential link between confusion and urinary tract infection in the elderly is still confusing - a systematic literature review

Background

Non-specific symptoms, such as confusion, are often suspected to be caused by urinary tract infection (UTI) and continues to be the most common reason for suspecting a UTI despite many other potential causes. This leads to significant overdiagnosis of UTI, inappropriate antibiotic use and potential harmful outcomes. This problem is particularly prevalent in nursing home settings.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was conducted assessing the association between confusion and UTI in the elderly. PubMed, Scopus and PsychInfo were searched with the following terms: confusion, delirium, altered mental status, acute confusional state, urinary tract infection, urine infection, urinary infection and bacteriuria. Inclusion criteria and methods were specified in advance and documented in the protocol, which was published with PROSPERO (registration ID: CRD42015025804). Quality assessment was conducted independently by two authors. Data were extracted using a standardised extraction tool and a qualitative synthesis of evidence was made.

Results

One thousand seven hunderd two original records were identified, of which 22 were included in the final analysis. The quality of these included studies varied, with frequent poor case definitions for UTI or confusion contributing to large variation in results and limiting their validity. Eight studies defined confusion using valid criteria; however, no studies defined UTI in accordance with established criteria. As no study used an acceptable definition of confusion and UTI, an association could not be reliably established. Only one study had acceptable definitions of confusion and bacteriuria, reporting an association with the relative risk being 1.4 (95% CI 1.0–1.7, p = 0.034).

Conclusions

Current evidence appears insufficient to accurately determine if UTI and confusion are associated, with estimates varying widely. This was often attributable to poor case definitions for UTI or confusion, or inadequate control of confounding factors. Future well-designed studies, using validated criteria for UTI and confusion are required to examine the relationship between UTI and acute confusion in the elderly. The optimal solution to clarify this clinical issue would be a randomized controlled trial comparing the effect of antibiotics versus placebo in patients with new onset or worsening confusion and presence of bacteriuria while lacking specific urinary tract symptoms.

Diagnostic value of symptoms and signs for identifying urinary tract infection in older adult outpatients: Systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To critically appraise and evaluate the diagnostic value of symptoms and signs in identifying UTI in older adult outpatients, using evidence from observational studies.

METHODS

We searched Medline and Medline in process, Embase and Web of Science, from inception up to September 2017. We included studies assessing the diagnostic accuracy of symptoms and/or signs in predicting UTI in outpatients aged 65 years and above. Study quality was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool.

RESULTS

We identified 15 eligible studies of variable quality, with a total of 12,039 participants (range 65-4259), and assessed the diagnostic accuracy of 66 different symptoms and signs in predicting UTI. A number of symptoms and signs typically associated with UTI, such as nocturia, urgency and abnormal vital signs, were of limited use in older adult outpatients. Inability to perform a number of acts of daily living were predictors of UTI: For example, disability in feeding oneself, + ve LR: 11.8 (95% CI 5.51-25.2) and disability in washing one's hands and face, + ve LR: 6.84 (95% CI 4.08-11.5).

CONCLUSIONS

The limited evidence of varying quality shows that a number of symptoms and signs traditionally associated with UTI may have limited diagnostic value in older adult outpatients.

Refractory urgency urinary incontinence treatment in women: impact of age on outcomes and complications

BACKGROUND

Women with refractory urgency urinary incontinence (ie, unresponsive to behavioral and pharmacological interventions) are treated with onabotulinumtoxinA or sacral neuromodulation.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to compare treatment efficacy and adverse events in women <65 and ≥65 years old treated with onabotulinumtoxinA or sacral neuromodulation.

STUDY DESIGN

This study was a planned secondary analysis of a multicenter, randomized trial that enrolled community-dwelling women with refractory urgency urinary incontinence to onabotulinumtoxinA or sacral neuromodulation treatments. The primary outcome was a change in mean daily urgency urinary incontinence episodes on a bladder diary over 6 months. Secondary outcomes included ≥75% urgency urinary incontinence episode reduction, change in symptom severity/quality of life, treatment satisfaction, and treatment-related adverse events.

RESULTS

Both age groups experienced improvement in mean urgency urinary incontinence episodes per day following each treatment. There was no evidence that mean daily urgency urinary incontinence episode reduction differed between age groups for onabotulinumtoxinA (adjusted coefficient, -0.127, 95% confidence interval, -1.233 to 0.979; P = .821) or sacral neuromodulation (adjusted coefficient, -0.698, 95% confidence interval, -1.832 to 0.437; P = .227). Among those treated with onabotulinumtoxinA, women <65 years had 3.3-fold greater odds of ≥75% resolution than women ≥65 years (95% confidence interval, 1.56 -7.02). Women <65 years had a greater reduction in Overactive Bladder Questionnaire Short Form symptom bother scores compared with women ≥65 years by 7.49 points (95% confidence interval, -3.23 to -11.74), regardless of treatment group. There was no difference between quality of life improvement by age. Women ≥65 years had more urinary tract infections following onabotulinumtoxinA and sacral neuromodulation (odds ratio, 1.9, 95% confidence interval, 1.2-3.3). There was no evidence of age differences in sacral neuromodulation revision/removal or catheterization following onabotulinumtoxinA treatment.

CONCLUSION

Younger women experienced greater absolute continence, symptom improvement, and fewer urinary tract infections; both older and younger women had beneficial urgency urinary incontinence episode reduction, similar rates of other treatment adverse events, and improved quality of life.

Identification of Key Odorants in Used Disposable Absorbent Incontinence Products

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to identify key odorants in used disposable absorbent incontinence products.

DESIGN

Descriptive in vitro study SUBJECTS AND SETTING:: Samples of used incontinence products were collected from 8 residents with urinary incontinence living in geriatric nursing homes in the Gothenburg area of Sweden. Products were chosen from a larger set of products that had previously been characterized by descriptive odor analysis.

METHODS

Pieces of the used incontinence products were cut from the wet area, placed in glass bottles, and kept frozen until dynamic headspace sampling of volatile compounds was completed. Gas chromatography-olfactometry was used to identify which compounds contributed most to the odors in the samples. Compounds were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight volatiles were found to be key odorants in the used incontinence products. Twenty-six were successfully identified. They belonged to the following classes of chemical compounds: aldehydes (6); amines (1); aromatics (3); isothiocyanates (1); heterocyclics (2); ketones (6); sulfur compounds (6); and terpenes (1).

CONCLUSION

Nine of the 28 key odorants were considered to be of particular importance to the odor of the used incontinence products: 3-methylbutanal, trimethylamine, cresol, guaiacol, 4,5-dimethylthiazole-S-oxide, diacetyl, dimethyl trisulfide, 5-methylthio-4-penten-2-ol, and an unidentified compound.

A secondary analysis of atypical presentations of older patients with infection in the emergency department of a tertiary care hospital in Thailand

Background

Classic symptoms of illness are often absent in older adults, delaying diagnosis and management, and resulting in unfavorable outcomes.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of atypical presentations by older Thai adults with infections in the emergency department (ED) of a tertiary care hospital, and to identify factors associated with atypical presentations in such patients.

Methods

We performed a secondary analysis of a retrospective cohort observational study of atypical presentations of patients aged ≥65 years in the ED using a subset of data first reported in the Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics in 2015; 62:97-102.

Results

The prevalence of atypical presentations was 35% of those with infectious diseases (64 of 183 cases). Pneumonia was the most common (30%). We identified 4 associated risk factors: complicated urinary tract infection (UTI) (odds ratio (OR) 4.54; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.75,11. 78; P = 0.002), cancer (OR 2.64; 95% CI 1.07, 6.53; P = 0.04), dementia (OR 6.66; 95% CI 1.47, 30.11; P = 0.01), and pulse rate >90 beats/min (OR 2.06; 95% CI 1.01, 4.22; P = 0.04). Infective diarrhea was protective (OR 0.27; 95% CI 0.09, 0.8; P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Atypical presentations of infectious diseases by older Thai patients in the ED accounted for about one third of those with infectious disease. Associated risk factors were complicated UTI, cancer, dementia, and increased pulse rate. Older patients with these factors who have uncertain diagnoses should be considered for hospitalization because the absence of classic symptoms does not exclude life-threatening infections.

Global epidemiology of urinary tract infections

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Both in the community and hospital setting, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common. Initial appropriate empirical treatment requires a good knowledge of epidemiological data. In this review, the most recent global epidemiological data of UTIs have been summarized.

RECENT FINDINGS

Community-associated UTI (CAUTI) prevalence is 0.7% and the main risk factors are age, history of UTI, sexual activity and diabetes. The most common pathogen is Escherichia coli and resistance rates to common antibiotics depend very much on the geographical location. The lowest observed resistance was for fosfomycin (range: 0-2.9%), nitrofurantoin (range: 0-4.4%) and mecillinam (range: 0-4%). Healthcare-associated UTI (HAUTI) frequency among HCAIs is 12.9 (confidence interval: 10.2-16%), 19.6 and 24% in the United States, Europe and developing countries, respectively. In urology departments, the prevalence is 5.1%. Resistance to almost all antibiotics in HAUTIs is above 20% and there is a significant geographical variation. Community onset HAUTIs bacterial spectrum is similar to hospital onset HAUTIs and different from CAUTIs.

SUMMARY

It is challenging to provide with an exact frequency of UTIs. Both CAUTI and HAUTI frequency, pathogen spectrum and resistance rates vary according to geographical setting.

Sepsis and Other Infectious Disease Emergencies in the Elderly

Waning immunity and declining anatomic and physiologic defenses render the elder vulnerable to a wide range of infectious diseases. Clinical presentations are often atypical and muted, favoring global changes in mental status and function over febrile responses or localizing symptoms. This review encompasses early recognition, evaluation, and appropriate management of these common infections specifically in the context of elders presenting to the emergency department. With enhanced understanding and appreciation of the unique aspects of infections in the elderly, emergency physicians can play an integral part in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with these often debilitating and life-threatening diseases.

[Urinary tract infections in the elderly]

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and asymptomatic bacteriuria are frequent in elderly patients. Distinguishing UTI from asymptomatic bacteriuria in older adults, particularly those living in long-term care facilities, might be a challenge for physicians due to the presence of confounding factors, such as an overactive bladder, prostate enlargement, and an indwelling bladder catheter. The absence of standards in the definition and treatment of UTI in the elderly frequently leads to overtreatment. Consequently, antibiotic selection pressure increases and as a result multidrug-resistant organisms might arise. On the other hand, insufficient treatment can result in prolonged and complicated courses of infections or increased morbidity. This review covers the definition, prevalence, diagnosis and management of UTI in older adults.

Beyond Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and Delirium: A Systematic Review of UTIs and Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections. Although comorbid UTI in geriatric patients with delirium or dementia is well known, the prevalence and scope of the association with other neuropsychiatric disorders is unclear. We performed a systematic review of the association between UTIs and delirium, dementia, psychotic disorders, and mood disorders in hospitalized patients. We identified studies by searching PubMed, PsycInfo, and Web of Knowledge, and the reference lists of identified studies and review papers. Seventeen publications met the inclusion criteria. The primary findings were: (1) 88% of publications reported a positive association between UTIs and neuropsychiatric disorders; (2) 47% reported that the clinical course of a neuropsychiatric disorder may be precipitated or exacerbated by a UTI; (3) the mean weighted prevalence of UTIs in subjects was 19.4% for delirium, 11.2% for dementia, 21.7% for nonaffective psychotic disorders, and 17.8% for mood disorders. Our findings, which must be interpreted carefully given the heterogeneity among the studies, suggest that UTIs are highly comorbid in hospitalized patients and may precipitate or exacerbate some neuropsychiatric disorders. The association extends beyond geriatric patients with delirium, affects males and females, and includes adults with psychotic and mood disorders. These findings underscore the important interface between physical and mental health. Potential underlying mechanisms are also reviewed, including complex interactions between the immune system and the brain.

Nursing assistants: "he seems to be ill" - a reason for nurses to take action: validation of the Early Detection Scale of Infection (EDIS)

BACKGROUND

Signs and symptoms of infection in frail elderly are atypical, causing delay in diagnosis and treatment. To improve communication between healthcare staff of signs and symptoms of infection we developed an instrument, using qualitative data from observations by nursing assistants when they suspected infection. The aim of this study was to assess the validity of nursing assistants observations by developing and testing the instrument for early detection of infection in elderly nursing home residents.

METHODS

The early detection of infection (EDIS) instrument was based on data from focus interviews with nursing assistants. Over one year the nursing assistants used EDIS to document episodes of suspected early signs and symptoms of infection in 204 nursing home residents. Two physicians classified documented episodes as "no infection", "possible infection", and "infection". The content validity of the 13 items of the EDIS was established to explore the relationships between the items. The construct validity was used to explore the relationship between the items and the presence or absence of infection. The predictive value of the developed model was evaluated by the percentage of correct classifications of the observed cases. Generalized linear model (ordinal multinomial distribution and logit link) was used.

RESULTS

Of the 388 events of suspected infection, 20 % were assessed as no infection, 31 % as possible infection and 49 % as infection. Content validity analysis showed that 12/13 of the items correlated significantly with at least one other statement. The range in number of significant inter-correlations was from 0 ("pain") to 8 ("general signs and symptoms of illness"). The construct validity showed that the items "temperature" , "respiratory symptoms" and "general signs and symptoms of illness" were significantly related to "infection", and these were also selected in the model-building. These items predicted correct alternative responses in 61 % of the cases.

CONCLUSION

The validation of EDIS suggests that the observation of "general signs and symptoms of illness", made by nursing assistants should be taken seriously in detecting early infection in frail elderly. Also, the statement "He/She is not as usual" should lead to follow-up.

The evolution of primary progressive apraxia of speech

Primary progressive apraxia of speech is a recently described neurodegenerative disorder in which patients present with an isolated apraxia of speech and show focal degeneration of superior premotor cortex. Little is known about how these individuals progress over time, making it difficult to provide prognostic estimates. Thirteen subjects with primary progressive apraxia of speech underwent two serial comprehensive clinical and neuroimaging evaluations 2.4 years apart [median age of onset = 67 years (range: 49-76), seven females]. All underwent detailed speech and language, neurological and neuropsychological assessments, and magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion tensor imaging and (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography at both baseline and follow-up. Rates of change of whole brain, ventricle, and midbrain volumes were calculated using the boundary-shift integral and atlas-based parcellation, and rates of regional grey matter atrophy were assessed using tensor-based morphometry. White matter tract degeneration was assessed on diffusion-tensor imaging at each time-point. Patterns of hypometabolism were assessed at the single subject-level. Neuroimaging findings were compared with a cohort of 20 age, gender, and scan-interval matched healthy controls. All subjects developed extrapyramidal signs. In eight subjects the apraxia of speech remained the predominant feature. In the other five there was a striking progression of symptoms that had evolved into a progressive supranuclear palsy-like syndrome; they showed a combination of severe parkinsonism, near mutism, dysphagia with choking, vertical supranuclear gaze palsy or slowing, balance difficulties with falls and urinary incontinence, and one was wheelchair bound. Rates of whole brain atrophy (1.5% per year; controls = 0.4% per year), ventricular expansion (8.0% per year; controls = 3.3% per year) and midbrain atrophy (1.5% per year; controls = 0.1% per year) were elevated (P ≤ 0.001) in all 13, compared to controls. Increased rates of brain atrophy over time were observed throughout the premotor cortex, as well as prefrontal cortex, motor cortex, basal ganglia and midbrain, while white matter tract degeneration spread into the splenium of the corpus callosum and motor cortex white matter. Hypometabolism progressed over time in almost all subjects. These findings demonstrate that some subjects with primary progressive apraxia of speech will rapidly evolve and develop a devastating progressive supranuclear palsy-like syndrome ∼ 5 years after onset, perhaps related to progressive involvement of neocortex, basal ganglia and midbrain. These findings help improve our understanding of primary progressive apraxia of speech and provide some important prognostic guidelines.

Older women's experiences of suffering from urinary tract infections

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To describe and explore older women's experiences of having had repeated urinary tract infections (UTIs).

BACKGROUND

UTIs are one of the most common bacterial infections among older women. Approximately one-third of very old women suffer from at least one UTI each year. Despite the high incidence of UTI, little is known about the impact of UTI on health and daily life in older women.

DESIGN

A qualitative descriptive design.

METHODS

A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted with 20 Swedish women aged 67-96 years who suffered from repeated UTIs the preceding year. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

Two main themes were identified: being in a state of manageable suffering and depending on alleviation. Being in a state of manageable suffering was described in terms of experiencing physical and psychological health problems, struggling to deal with the illness and being restricted in daily life. Depending on alleviation was illustrated in terms of having access to relief but also receiving inadequate care.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that UTIs are a serious health problem among older women that not only affects both physical and mental health but also has serious social consequences. The women in this study described the physical and psychological health problems, struggling to deal with the illness, being restricted in daily life, depending on access to relief and receiving inadequate care.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

It is important to improve the knowledge about how UTI affects the health of older women. This knowledge may help nurses develop strategies to support these women. One important part in the supportive strategies is that nurses can educate these women in self-care.

Urinary tract infection syndromes: occurrence, recurrence, bacteriology, risk factors, and disease burden

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common bacterial infections, accounting for 0.9% of all ambulatory visits in the United States. This review defines the major UTI syndromes, their occurrence and recurrence, bacteriology, risk factors, and disease burden.

Diagnosis and management of urinary tract infection in older adults

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a commonly diagnosed infection in older adults. Despite consensus guidelines developed to assist providers in diagnosing UTI, distinguishing symptomatic UTI from asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) in older adults is problematic, as many older adults do not present with localized genitourinary symptoms. This article summarizes the recent literature and guidelines on the diagnosis and management of UTI and ASB in older adults.

Urinary tract infection in older adults

Urinary tract infection and asymptomatic bacteriuria are common in older adults. Unlike in younger adults, distinguishing symptomatic urinary tract infection from asymptomatic bacteriuria is problematic, as older adults, particularly those living in long-term care facilities, are less likely to present with localized genitourinary symptoms. Consensus guidelines have been published to assist clinicians with diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infection; however, a single evidence-based approach to diagnosis of urinary tract infection does not exist. In the absence of a gold standard definition of urinary tract infection that clinicians agree upon, overtreatment with antibiotics for suspected urinary tract infection remains a significant problem, and leads to a variety of negative consequences including the development of multidrug-resistant organisms. Future studies improving the diagnostic accuracy of urinary tract infections are needed. This review will cover the prevalence, diagnosis and diagnostic challenges, management, and prevention of urinary tract infection and asymptomatic bacteriuria in older adults.

Delirium, a Symptom of UTI in the Elderly: Fact or Fable? A Systematic Review

Background

In geriatrics, delirium is widely viewed as a consequence of and, therefore, a reason to initiate workup for urinary tract infection (UTI). There is a possibility that this association is overestimated. To determine the evidence behind this clinical practice, we undertook a systematic review of the literature linking delirium with UTI.

Methods

A MEDLINE search was conducted from 1966 through 2012 using the MESH terms “urinary tract infection” and “delirium”, limited to humans, age 65 and older. The search identified 111 studies. Of these, five met our inclusion criteria of being primary studies that addressed the association of UTI and delirium. The studies were four cross-sectional observational studies and one case series. No randomized control trials were identified. All studies were published between 1988 and 2011. Four collected data retrospectively and one prospectively, with study sizes ranging from 14 to 1,285. The methodological strength of the studies was evaluated using six standards adapted from a previous systematic review.

Results

Only two of the five studies adequately matched or statistically adjusted for differences in comparison groups. None of the studies evaluated subjects with equal intensity for the presence of delirium and UTI, nor did they have objective criteria for either diagnosis. In subjects with delirium, UTI rates ranged from 25.9% to 32% compared to 13% in those without delirium. In subjects with UTI, delirium rates ranged from 30% to 35%, compared to 7.7% to 8% in those without UTI.

Conclusions

Few studies have examined the association between UTI and delirium. Though the studies examined conclude that there is an association between UTI and delirium, all of them had significant methodological flaws that likely led to biased results. Therefore, it is difficult to ascertain the degree to which urinary tract infections cause delirium. More research is needed to better define the role of UTI in delirium etiology.

Poor nutritional status is associated with urinary tract infection among older people living in residential care facilities

AIM

To investigate factors associated with poor nutritional status in older people living in residential care facilities.

METHODS

188 residents (136 women, 52 men) with physical and cognitive impairments participated. Mean age was 84.7 y (range 65-100). The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), Barthel ADL Index, Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Geriatric Depression Scale were used to evaluate nutritional status, activities of daily living, cognitive status and depressive symptoms. Medical conditions, clinical characteristics and prescribed drugs were recorded. Univariate and multivariate regressions were used to investigate associations with MNA scores.

RESULTS

The mean MNA score was 20.5 ± 3.7 (range 5.5-27) and the median was 21 (interquartile range (IQR) 18.8-23.0). Fifteen per cent of participants were classified as malnourished and 66% at risk of malnutrition. Lower MNA scores were independently associated with urinary tract infection (UTI) during the preceding year (β = - 0.21, P = 0.006), lower MMSE scores (β = 0.16, P = 0.030), and dependent in feeding (β = - 0.14, P = 0.040).

CONCLUSION

The majority of participants were at risk of or suffering from malnutrition. Urinary tract infection during the preceding year was independently associated with poor nutritional status. Dependence in feeding was also associated with poor nutritional status as were low MMSE scores for women. Prospective observations and randomized controlled trials are necessary to gain an understanding of a causal association between malnutrition and UTI.

Antimicrobial prescribing in hospitalized adults stratified by age: data from the ESAC point-prevalence surveys

BACKGROUND

Geriatric infectious diseases are a major health care issue. Infections in the elderly occur more frequently than in younger adults, are often associated with higher morbidity and mortality, and may present atypically. Elderly patients are also often taking multiple medications, which increases the likelihood of drug-drug interactions. Dosing decisions should take into consideration the reduced lean body mass and declining renal function in this age group.

OBJECTIVE

Antimicrobial prescribing in three age groups (65-74, 75-84 and ≥85 years) was compared with a reference age group (18-64 years), with the aim of identifying quality of care indicators specific to the elderly.

METHODOLOGY

The ESAC (European Surveillance of Antimicrobial Consumption) final phase performed two hospital point-prevalence surveys in 2008 and 2009, respectively, using the defined daily dose (DDD) and Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification system. The prescribed daily dose (PDD) was compared with the DDD. Differences in prescribing were assessed using multivariate logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

The majority of patients (19,549 [64% of 30,836]) were from Northern Europe and 13,830 (48%) belonged to the reference group. The largest proportion of patients was admitted through the hospital's medical specialty (55% of patients) [range: 49% in the reference group to 72% in the ≥85 years age group]. Penicillins were the most frequently used antimicrobials in all age groups (range: 32% in the reference group to 41% in the ≥85 years age group). Multivariate analyses showed three significant variations between the 65-74 years age group and the reference group (quinolones: odds ratio [OR] 1.17 [95% CI 1.05, 1.29]; tetracyclines: OR 1.58 [95% CI 1.26, 1.98]; aminoglycosides: OR 0.81 [95% CI 0.70, 0.93]). The number of significant variations increased to seven and eight in the 75-84 and ≥85 years age groups, respectively. A lower likelihood for PDD > DDD was observed in the 65-74 years age group for three parenteral antimicrobials (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, gentamicin and vancomycin). This was reiterated in the older age groups (75-84 and ≥85 years), where piperacillin/tazobactam, meropenem and oral ciprofloxacin also showed a lower likelihood for PDD > DDD.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the methodology not being dedicated to elderly patients, the study identified elevated use of antimicrobial agents that are associated with serious adverse effects or a narrow therapeutic index as a target for quality of care improvement in elderly patients.

Urinary tract infections in the elderly population

BACKGROUND

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common problem in the elderly population. The spectrum of disease varies from a relatively benign cystitis to potentially life-threatening pyelonephritis.

OBJECTIVE

This review covers the management of asymptomatic bacteriuria, acute uncomplicated cystitis, acute uncomplicated pyelonephritis, antibiotic resistance, catheter-associated bacteriuria/symptomatic UTIs, and antibiotic prophylaxis for recurrent infections in elderly men and women.

METHODS

Literature was obtained from English-language searches of MEDLINE (1966-April 2011), Cochrane Library, BIOSIS (1993-April 2011), and EMBASE (1970-April 2011). Further publications were identified from citations of resulting articles. Search terms included, but were not limited to, urinary tract infections, asymptomatic bacteriuria, acute uncomplicated cystitis, acute uncomplicated pyelonephritis, antibiotic resistance, catheter associated urinary tract infections, recurrent urinary tract infections, and elderly.

RESULTS

The prevalence of UTIs in elderly women depends on the location in which these women are living. For elderly women living in the community, UTIs compromise the second most common infection, whereas in residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs) and hospitalized subjects, it is the number one cause of infection. The spectrum of patient presentation varies from classic signs and symptoms in the independent elderly population to atypical presentations, including increased lethargy, delirium, blunted fever response, and anorexia. Although there are few guidelines specifically directed toward the management of UTIs in the elderly population, therapy generally mirrors the recommendations for the younger adult age groups. When choosing a treatment regimen, special attention must be given to the severity of illness, living conditions, existing comorbidities, presence of external devices, local antibiotic resistance patterns, and the ability of the patient to comply with therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Improved guidelines for the diagnosis and management of UTIs in the elderly population are needed. Better techniques to evaluate and prevent catheter-associated bacteriuria and UTIs await improved diagnostic modalities and catheter technologies. Alternative methods for prophylaxis of patients who suffer from recurrent infections must be found while minimizing the risk of developing or propagating antibiotic resistance.

Urinary tract infection in very old women is associated with delirium

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to investigate whether urinary tract infection (UTI) in a representative sample of 85-, 90- and ≥95-year-old women is associated with delirium.

METHODS

In 504 out of 643 women (78.4%) it was possible to evaluate UTI and delirium. Assessments such as the Organic Brain Syndrome (OBS) Scale, the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-15) and the Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) were performed during home visits. Delirium, dementia and depression were diagnosed according to the DSM-IV criteria. A diagnosed, symptomatic UTI with or without ongoing treatment, documented in medical records or detected in association with the assessments, was registered.

RESULTS

Eighty-seven of 504 women (17.2%), were diagnosed as having a UTI with or without ongoing treatment when they were assessed, and almost half of them (44.8%) were diagnosed to be delirious or having had episodes of delirium during the past month. One hundred and thirty-seven of the 504 women (27.2%) were delirious or had had episodes of delirium during the past month and 39 (28.5%) of them were diagnosed to have a UTI. In a multivariate logistic regression model, delirium was significantly associated with Alzheimer's disease (OR = 5.8), multi-infarct dementia (OR = 5.4), depression (OR = 3.1), heart failure (OR = 2.3) and urinary tract infection (OR = 1.9).

CONCLUSIONS

A large proportion of very old women with UTI suffered from delirium which might indicate that UTI is a common cause of delirium. There should be more focus on detecting, preventing and treating UTI to avoid unnecessary suffering among old women.

Sense of security among people aged 65 and 75: external and inner sources of security

AIM

This paper is a report of a study exploring possible external and inner sources of the sense of security felt by older people aged 65 and 75. Background.  The concept of 'security' has been parsimoniously defined and explored, especially as pertains to older people, and previous research has primarily focused on risks in relation to individuals' declining health and functional ability.

METHODS

In 2005, population-based cross-sectional surveys were carried out in 15 municipalities in Västerbotten, Sweden and 18 municipalities in Ostrobothnia, Finland. A 15-page questionnaire (84 questions) was distributed, with the final total response rate reaching 68· % (n = 3370): 1825 Swedish-speaking Swedes, 926 Swedish-speaking Finns and 621 Finnish-speaking Finns. The statistical analysis was three-stage, including nominal stepwise regressions.

RESULTS

Older people who indicate that they are 'very secure' are more likely to consider life meaningful and are able to master various life crises. Moreover, they possess confidence in economic institutions and are more likely to feel economically secure. Weak trust in family and friends or neighbours and decreased functional ability seem to indicate a subjective feeling of 'insecurity'.

CONCLUSION

Caregivers in health care should focus more on supporting older persons' meaningfulness in life and how their feelings of security can be strengthened by trusting relationships and activities. In nursing, there should be more focus on developing knowledge of inner health resources, including positive life orientation and meaningfulness in life.

Do urinary tract infections affect morale among very old women?

BACKGROUND

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is among the most common bacterial infections in women of all ages but the incidence increases with older age. Despite the fact that UTI is a common problem it is still poorly investigated regarding its connection with experienced health and morale. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of a diagnosed, symptomatic urinary tract infection (UTI) with or without ongoing treatment on morale or subjective wellbeing among very old women.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional, population-based study, 504 women aged 85 years and older (range 84-104) were evaluated for ongoing UTI. Of these, 319 (63.3%), were able to answer the questions on the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale (PGCMS) which was used to assess morale or subjective wellbeing.

RESULTS

In the present study sample of 319 women, 46 (14.4%) were diagnosed as having had a UTI with or without ongoing treatment when they were assessed. Women with UTI with or without ongoing treatment had significantly lower PGCMS scores (10.4 vs 11.9, p = 0.003) than those without UTI, indicating a significant impact on morale or subjective wellbeing among very old women. Depression (p < 0.001), UTI (p = 0.014) and constipation (p = 0.018) were the medical diagnoses significantly and independently associated with low morale in a multivariate regression model.

CONCLUSIONS

As UTI seems to be independently associated with low morale or poor subjective wellbeing, there needs to be more focus on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of UTI in old women.

Packages of care for dementia in low- and middle-income countries

In the fifth in a series of six articles on packages of care for mental disorders in low- and middle-income countries, Martin Prince and colleagues discuss the treatment of dementia.