Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
An In Vitro Hemodynamic Loop Model to Investigate the Hemocytocompatibility and Host Cell Activation of Vascular Medical Devices
Published on: August 21, 2020
Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection in Critically Ill Patients: A Comparative Evaluation Between Latex
Farah Adibah Mohamed Hassan1, Aliza Mohamad Yusof1, Saw Kian Cheah1
1Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, MYS.
Insights
This study found no significant difference in catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) rates between latex and metal alloy urinary catheters in ICU patients. Both catheter types demonstrated similar safety profiles for short-term use.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is a significant cause of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), accounting for 9% of cases.
- Urinary catheter use is common in Intensive Care Units (ICUs), necessitating research into infection prevention strategies.
- Comparing different catheter materials is crucial for reducing CAUTI incidence in vulnerable patient populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the incidence of CAUTI between latex urinary catheters and latex-coated metal alloy urinary catheters.
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of novel metal alloy urinary catheters versus standard latex catheters in an ICU setting.
- To assess the impact of catheter material on infection rates in critically ill patients requiring short-term catheterization.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, prospective, single-blinded study involving 70 ICU patients requiring urinary catheterization for over 48 hours.
- Patients were randomized (1:1) to receive either a latex catheter or a latex-coated metal alloy catheter.
- CAUTI incidence was monitored throughout the ICU stay, with statistical analysis using chi-square/Fischer's exact and t-tests.
Main Results:
- One case of CAUTI occurred in the latex catheter group; no CAUTI cases were observed in the metal alloy catheter group.
- The study included 70 patients with a mean age of 48.6 years, predominantly Malay (70.0%) and male (61.4%).
- Mean APACHE II and SOFA scores were 13.2 and 6.1, respectively, indicating a critically ill cohort.
Conclusions:
- There was no statistically significant difference in CAUTI incidence between the two catheter types for short-term use in critically ill patients.
- The latex-coated metal alloy urinary catheter appears to be a safe alternative to traditional latex catheters in the ICU.
- Further research may be warranted to explore long-term outcomes and cost-effectiveness of metal alloy catheters.
Abstract:
Background and objective Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) accounts for 9% of all hospital-acquired infections (HAI). This study aimed to assess the incidence of CAUTI among patients with two different types of urinary catheters: the latex urinary catheter and the latex-coated metal alloy urinary catheter, used in the ICU setting. Methods This was a randomized, prospective, single-blinded study involving 76 ICU patients requiring catheterization and admitted to the ICU for more than 48 hours. Patients were allocated to the metal alloy catheter group and latex catheter group, with a randomization ratio of 1:1. CAUTI incidence was assessed at study entry, after 48 hours in the ICU, day seven in ICU, as well as any signs or symptoms of CAUTI detected during ICU stay. For statistical analysis, categorical data were compared using the chi-square or Fischer's exact test, and clinical outcomes were compared using the t-test. Results: A total of 76 patients were initially recruited for the study; however, six of them dropped out, leaving 70 patients for the final assessment. The mean age of the cohort was 48.6 ± 19.2 years and a majority of them were of Malay race (70.0%) and male (61.4%). The mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores were 13.2 ± 4.0 and 6.1 ± 2.0 respectively. The mean ICU length of stay was 6 ± 1.58 days and the mean day of catheterization was 6 ± 1.54 days. One incidence of CAUTI was seen in the latex catheter group while no incidence was observed in the metal alloy group. Conclusions Based on our findings, there is no statistically significant difference in the incidence of CAUTI between the latex urinary catheter and the metal alloy urinary catheter groups for short-term catheterization in critically ill patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Urinary Tract Infection I: Introduction
01:30Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
01:17Urinary Tract Infection IV: Nursing Management
01:26Urine Studies II: Urine Culture and Sensitivity Test