[Nosocomial urinary tract infections in the intensive care unit patients]

The aim of this prospective study was to determine the frequency of nosocomial urinary tract infections (UTI) and risk factors in intensive care unit patients. A total of 110 patients were included in the study, and UTI developed in 39.1% of them. The mean age of patients with UTI (53.6+/-20.0 yrs) was found higher than the patients without UTI (39.7+/-22.2 yrs), (p<0.01), whereas there was no gender associated difference between these two groups (p>0.01). No patient had developed symptoms suggesting UTI. All of the UTI has developed in patients with urinary catheter. Infections occurred in 72.2% of the patients with catheter lasting for seven days or more, and 24.3% of those lasting less than seven days (p<0.001). The UTI development rate was found as 31.3% in the patients who had been using antibiotics, while this ratio was 50% in those who had not used antibiotics (p<0.05). Pyuria was detected in 86.1% and 17.9% of the patients with and without UTI, respectively (p<0.001). Detection of bacteria in urine by the examination of Gram stained preparations, and the tests of peripheral blood leucocyte counting and CRP levels were not found sensitive and specific for nosocomial UTI. The prevalence of UTI increased gradually by the duration of hospitalization. The most frequently isolated microorganisms were found as Candida (27.2%), Escherichia coil (27.2%) and staphylococci (12.9%). Since nosocomial UTI which are important causes of morbidity in intensive care unit patients, are difficult to diagnose and treat, more efforts should be used for preventive measures.