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Updated: Jun 12, 2026

The Application of Point-of-Care Ultrasonography (POCUS) in the Management of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) in the Intensive Care Unit
08:22

The Application of Point-of-Care Ultrasonography (POCUS) in the Management of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) in the Intensive Care Unit

Published on: December 12, 2025

[Post void residual volume in patients at geriatric ward]

Hanne Pedersen1, Jeanne Nielsen, Annie Elena Juncher

  • 1Roskilde Hospital, Geriatrisk Afdeling, Forskningscenter for Aldring og Osteoporose, Roskilde, Denmark. hannepedersen@dadlnet.dk

Ugeskrift for Laeger
|May 21, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Post Void Residual Volume (PVRV) is common in older adults and linked to infections and poor mobility. Ultrasound bladder scans are effective for screening PVRV in geriatric wards.

Area of Science:

  • Geriatric Medicine
  • Urology
  • Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

  • Post Void Residual Volume (PVRV) is a significant risk factor for urinary tract infections, incontinence, and renal insufficiency in the elderly.
  • High PVRV is associated with advanced age, immobility, constipation, and various neurological and metabolic diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of high Post Void Residual Volume (PVRV) in geriatric patients.
  • To identify risk factors associated with elevated PVRV in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study involving 100 geriatric patients admitted to a ward.
  • Ultrasound bladder scans (UB) were performed three times within the first two days of admission.
  • Data collected included age, gender, cognitive function (MMSE), functional status (Barthel score), and presence of bacteriuria, incontinence, and constipation.

Main Results:

  • Out of 100 patients (mean age 83.9 years), 14 patients had PVRV > 150 ml, and 48 had PVRV < 100 ml.
  • Significant correlations were found between high PVRV (>150 ml) and bacteriuria (p=0.04) and lower Barthel scores (p=0.03).
  • Prevalence of constipation was 29%, urinary incontinence 41%, and bacteriuria 37%.

Conclusions:

  • Post Void Residual Volume (PVRV) is prevalent in geriatric populations.
  • High PVRV is positively correlated with bacteriuria and reduced functional performance.
  • Ultrasound bladder scanning is a feasible screening method for PVRV in geriatric settings.
Abstract

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