Prolonged urinary retention in COVID-19 survivors: observational study

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Infectious Diseases
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, primarily known as a respiratory illness, has demonstrated diverse extrapulmonary effects.
• Post-COVID-19 complications, including urinary tract dysfunction, warrant further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the incidence and potential risk factors for prolonged urinary retention in patients hospitalized with COVID-19.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective cohort study analyzed data from 834 hospitalized patients.
• Exclusion criteria included pre-existing lower urinary tract conditions or relevant medications.
• Statistical analyses included chi-square, Fisher's exact, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, and Dunn tests.

Main Results:

• 12.6% of patients experienced sustained urinary retention, leading to difficulties in urinary catheter removal.
• Factors associated with urinary retention included orotracheal intubation, thrombocytopenia, urinary tract infections, and higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores.
• Pulmonary involvement severity correlated with longer catheterization duration and failed removal attempts, with no significant sex difference.

Conclusions:

• Urinary tract complications are an emerging concern in COVID-19 patients.
• The findings suggest that COVID-19 may cause sex-independent urothelial injury and bladder dysfunction, contributing to urinary retention.
• Severity of COVID-19 illness correlates with impaired bladder function and catheter removal challenges.