[Pyuria, bacteriuria and urinary tract infections in hospitalized patients with spinal cord injuries]

Urine specimens from 15 patients with paresis of the urinary bladder following injury of the spinal cord were examined weekly for a total number of 352 weeks. Pyuria was found in 103 specimens. In more than 95% there was concordance between microscopic and chemical evaluation. Bacteriuria was found in 144 specimens, among which pyuria was found in 76. In 77 cases there was indication for antibacterial treatment, based on bacteriological and clinical parameters. The most frequent bacterium isolated was Escherichia coli. Pyuria was present in more than three of four cases that were identified as urinary tract infections. However, almost one of every two cases with bacteriuria showed no pyuria. It is concluded that clinical symptoms of urinary tract infection together with identification of pyuria call for antibacterial treatment. Bacterial examination, should always be undertaken given symptoms of infection with no presence of pyuria.