A case series of emphysematous pyelonephritis

Diabetes, SGLT-2 Inhibitors, and Urinary Tract Infection: a Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this review is to focus on epidemiology, pathogenesis, risk factors, management, and complications of UTI in people with diabetes as well as reviewing the association of SGLT-2 inhibitors with genitourinary infections.

RECENT FINDINGS

Individuals diagnosed with T2DM are more prone to experiencing UTIs and recurrent UTIs compared to individuals without T2DM. T2DM is associated with an increased risk of any genitourinary infections (GUI), urinary tract infections (UTIs), and genital infections (GIs) across all age categories. SGLT2 inhibitors are a relatively new class of anti-hyperglycemic agents, and studies suggest that they are associated with an increased risk of genitourinary infections. The management of diabetes and lifestyle modifications with a patient-centric approach are the most recognized methods for preventing critical long-term complications including genitourinary manifestations of diabetes. The available data regarding the association of SGLT-2 inhibitors with genitourinary infections is more comprehensive compared to that with UTIs. Further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms underlining the association between SGLT-2 inhibitors and genital infections and UTIs.

Emphysematous Pyelonephritis Involving Native Kidneys and a Transplanted Kidney

Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is an acute severe necrotizing form of UTI, with air collection in the renal parenchyma, collecting system, and surrounding tissues. Most common causative organisms are Escherichia coli and Klebsiella. Here we present a 71-year-old Caucasian male with multiple medical problems who was transferred to our ER from a long-term acute care hospital (LTACH) for hematuria, UTI, and septic shock. He is a recipient of a deceased donor renal transplant and was receiving IV amphotericin B for recent cryptococcal meningitis. CT abdomen showed bilateral EPN, including the transplanted kidney. He received aggressive fluid resuscitation, vasopressors, and IV antibiotics and got admitted to the ICU. Unfortunately, his clinical course worsened and required ventilatory support, and his family opted for comfort care because of the high mortality rate. The emphasis of this case report is to investigate immunocompromised patients presenting with UTIs for EPN.

Emphysematous pyelonephritis in an infant from Sokoto, north-western Nigeria

Introduction

Emphysematous pyelonephritis is a life-threatening necrotising bacterial infection of the kidneys. It is rare among children and can be fatal if not promptly identified and treated.

Case presentation

A 7-month-old male infant presented to the Emergency Paediatric Unit of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria, on 12 November 2019 with a 5-day history of fever and vomiting, and a 3-day history of a progressively enlarging, left-side abdominal mass. There was associated excessive crying on micturition, refusal to feed and weight loss. He looked ill and was in respiratory distress, irritable, febrile (38.8 °C), moderately dehydrated and pale. His weight and length were 5.5 kg and 64 cm. He had a tender, firm and ballotable abdominal mass on the left flank measuring 8 cm × 10 cm. His pulse rate was 140 beats/min, blood pressure 60/40 millimetres of mercury and respiratory rate was 65 cycles/min. He had widespread coarse crepitations and normal heart sounds on chest auscultation.

Management and outcome

An initial diagnosis of sepsis was made. Other considerations were nephroblastoma and neuroblastoma. Ceftriaxone and blood transfusion were commenced with subsequent administration of intravenous fluids. Further radiologic investigations revealed emphysematous pyelonephritis. The patient had percutaneous drainage and extended spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (sensitive to meropenem) which was isolated from the aspirate culture after 48 h of incubation. Meropenem could not be commenced because of non-availability and high cost. The patient subsequently deteriorated and died from septic shock.

Conclusion

Emphysematous pyelonephritis has a fulminant course when not diagnosed promptly and treated adequately.

Emphysematous pyelonephritis: A rare cause of sepsis in hepatocellular carcinoma

The association between emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) and diabetes mellitus is well known. EPN as the cause of sepsis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is rare and unreported. We report a case of EPN in a non-diabetic HCC patient, in which the clinical features of decompensated chronic liver disease masked the more sinister urological emergency to a certain degree. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen revealed a mixture of gas and fluid in the left retrorenal space, in keeping with left EPN. Nevertheless, the course of clinical deterioration was rather rapid that any surgical intervention was not feasible.

Urological infections in the developing world: an increasing problem in developed countries

PURPOSE

Infectious diseases that often follow geographical distribution patterns are increasingly crossing such boundaries, aided by human travel and commerce. These pose a new challenge to physicians who are required to diagnose previously unseen conditions and address drug-resistant organisms. We review some such common infections.

METHODS

A literature review was performed for six common urological infections and a narrative review based on recent publications on these infections was compiled.

RESULTS

In Urology, some infections that are now crossing geographical boundaries include Brucellosis, Schistosomiasis, Tuberculosis, Filariasis, Hydatidosis and emphysematous pyelonephritis. Brucellosis, a zoonotic infection, is common in the Mediterranean areas, Asia, South America and Africa. Infection can involve all parts of the genitourinary tract. Schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease, is particularly common in Sub-Saharan Africa and may have bacterial superinfection. Voiding symptoms are common and bladder carcinoma may develop. Tuberculosis affects almost every organ in the body and in the male genital system, often presents with abscesses, nodules, ulcers and infertility that is difficult to manage. Filariasis is caused by two species of worms and is transmitted through a bite from a mosquito carrying larvae of the worm. It causes lymphatic obstruction leading to scrotal edema, hydrocoele to elephantiasis of scrotum. Emphysematous pyelonephritis is a life-threatening suppurative necrotizing infection of the renal parenchyma. While not being geographically limited, it is more common in developing areas with poor health care access. Genitourinary hydatidosis is a rare disease that is associated mainly with renal involvement in the genitourinary tract. Large cysts with destruction of renal parenchyma may be found.

CONCLUSIONS

Although uncommon, these urological infections are associated with significant morbidity and mortality and awareness in all healthcare settings is now an essential requirement.

Diabetic ketoacidosis complicated by emphysematous pyelonephritis: a case report and literature review

Background

The management of emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) includes conservative medical treatment, percutaneous drainage, and surgical resection of the involved kidney. EPN with diabetic ketoacidosis(DKA) is very rare, in which the clinical management of refusing surgical drainage is inexperienced.

Case presentation

A 34-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain, chills, fever, nausea, vomiting, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Blood test results were consistent with diabetic ketoacidosis. Urinary computed tomography scan showed multiple stones in the right kidney and lower ureter, with right hydronephrosis. Blood culture demonstrated Escherichia coli bacteremia, and EPN was diagnosed. Considering the need for a second percutaneous nephrolithotomy, the patient refused percutaneous drainage. After continuous intravenous infusion of small doses of insulin and antibiotic treatment, the ketoacidosis resolved. The patient’s temperature returned to normal and abdominal pain was alleviated, and liver and kidney functions were also back to normal. After hospital discharge, the patient underwent two percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the department of urology.

Conclusions

EPN with diabetic ketoacidosis should be diagnosed as soon as possible. For patients with Class 1 and Class 2 EPN with diabetic ketoacidosis and urinary tract obstruction, if surgical drainage is refused, it is particularly important to rapidly correct diabetic ketoacidosis and intravenous use of sensitive antibiotics, so as to create conditions for follow-up percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

Complicated bilateral fungal emphysematous pyelonephritis in a 55-year-old diabetic female: A case report and review of literature

Background and Purpose:

Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is a rare and serious disease causing acute renal failure. Diabetes is a major risk factor for this infection.

Case report:

Herein, we present the case of a 55-year-old female patient with diabetes and EPN caused by Candida albicans. The infection was complicated with endophthalmitis and endocarditis. The results of antifungal susceptibility analysis showed that C. albicans was resistant to fluconazole and susceptible to amphotericin-B and itraconazole. Infection could be controlled by amphotericin-B followed by itraconazole therapy, and the patient was discharged in good condition while receiving antifungal therapy.

Conclusion:

Complicated pyelonephritis with unusual microorganisms should be considered in patients with diabetes and urinary symptoms.

Clinical profile and successful outcomes of conservative and minimally invasive treatment of emphysematous pyelonephritis

INTRODUCTION

Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is a rare clinical entity, characterized by gas in the renal system, due to an acute, fulminant and potentially fatal necrotizing process with varying clinical presentations. It is much more aggressive than uncomplicated pyelonephritis, with the mortality of 20-40% in the contemporary meta-analysis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective record review of inpatients at the Institute of Nephro Urology, Bangalore, India (2007-2014), who were treated after EPN was diagnosed with the aid of a CT (computed tomography) scan.

RESULTS

Sixty-six patients (M:F 27:39) treated for EPN over the past seven years with the mean (±SD) age of 52.32 (±12.48) years were analyzed. Median (interquartile range) duration of hospital stay was 8 (11.25) days with 4 (6%) patients requiring intensive care unit admission (median, IQR = 5.5, 1.5 days) of whom two passed away due to septicemia. Fifty-six (84.85%) patients were diabetics, forty (60.6%) patients had estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 ml/min/1.7 3 m2, 6 (9.1%) patients had eGFR <30 ml/min/1.73 m2 including 3 (4.5%) with eGFR <15 ml/min/1.73 m2 requiring hemodialysis and twenty-two (33%) had thrombocytopenia. Fifty (75.76%) patients were classified as Huang and Tseng Class 2, 7 (10%) as Class 3 with perinephric abscess requiring open drainage and 9 (13.64%) had bilateral EPN (Class 4). Majority (43; 65%) responded to piperacillin-tazobactam treatment. Double J stenting was done in 17 (25.76%) patients, percutaneous drainage in 5 (7.58%) patients and nephrectomy in 2 (3%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Although EPN historically carries high morbidity and mortality, modern day medical management with timely intervention in the form of urinary drainage is effective and curative in most patients resulting in a low mortality rate.

Outcome of Patients Admitted to a Tertiary Referral Intensive Care Unit with Urosepsis Needing Source Control

Introduction:

Urosepsis is one of the common causes of admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). It has traditionally been treated with antibiotics, but surgical management with Double J [DJ] ureteral stents is gaining popularity. This study compares patients with complicated urosepsis who underwent surgical source control by ureteral stenting with those managed medically.

Materials and Methods:

The study enrolled patients admitted to a tertiary adult ICU with a diagnosis of urosepsis over a period of 2 years. The primary outcomes were renal replacement therapy (RRT) requirement and ICU mortality. The secondary outcomes were ICU and hospital length of stay, ventilator-free days, and inotrope free days. Patients were divided those with obstructive and nonobstructive urinary tract infection (UTI).

Results:

A total of 58 patients met the criteria, of who 32 had obstructive UTI and were included in Group A, with the remaining 26 with nonobstructive UTI comprised Group B. In Group A, 27 patients underwent source control with ureteral DJ stenting, three patients recovered with medical management, and two who were advised source control did not consent to the procedure. Seventeen patients in Group A and seven patients in Group B required RRT (P = 0.044). There was no significant difference in ICU mortality, hospital mortality, and 28 days survival between the two groups.

Conclusion:

With early source control, obstructive UTI outcomes were comparable to nonobstructive UTI. However, despite undergoing ureteric stenting, more patients with obstructive UTI required RRT than those with nonobstructive UTI.

A prospective analysis of emphysematous pyelonephritis at a tertiary care centre

Purpose:

To evaluate the presentation and diagnostic criteria of emphysematous pyelonephritis and different modalities of their management at our instititute.

Methods:

A prospective study of 5 years in which patients who were diagnosed to have emphysematous pyelonephritis confirmed by a non contrast CT presenting at our centre were included in this study and baseline information, a brief clinical history with a written consent was collected from each patient. The course of the patient along with investigations and interventions done from admission were recorded.

Results:

72 patients were included in this study with a mean age of 55.4 +/-12.1 years (30 to 75 years ), comprising of 47 females and 25 males. Common presentation was tachycardia (94.5 %) and fever associated with burning micturition (75.3%) followed by loin pain on the affected side (71%). 31 cases which formed a majority were diagnosed to have right sided emphysematous pyelonephritis (41.9%), 28 had left sided (38.35%) and 14 bilateral (19.17%) in our series. 90.41 % of the patient were diagnosed to have diabetes mellitus of which 34 patients (46.57 %) presented with high sugars. Urine cultures were positive in only 41% of the patients with the most common organism being E. coli (68%) followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (14%). 64.8% of the patients diagnosed were treated conservatively with IV antibiotics and 34.24% by endoscopic management.

Conclusions:

In this study we have shown that a medical line of management with appropriate endoscopic intervention is the present choice of management of emphysematous pyelonephritis irrespective of the CT grade of the disease. Level of evidence: Not applicable for this multicentre audit.

Emphysematous pyelonephritis in a transplanted kidney

Emphysematous pyelonephritis is a rare infection characterized by necrosis and gas accumulation in the renal parenchyma, adjacent tissues, and/or urinary collecting system. This entity is rarely reported in transplanted kidneys. Computed tomography imaging is necessary for diagnosis and risk classification. The authors described the case of a 58-year-old man who underwent a kidney transplant and presented sepsis from a urinary tract infection. An abdominal tomography showed some characteristics of emphysematous pyelonephritis associated with an abscess. A graft biopsy, performed 45 days after the transplant, failed to show signs of infection, and tubule-interstitial and vascular rejection were ruled out. The patient had a poor outcome, and a nephrectomy was needed, the pathological analysis of which yielded the diagnosis of chronic pyelonephritis with necrotizing papillitis. The patient became hemodynamically unstable and died. The authors highlight the current tomographic criteria for the diagnosis and treatment of emphysematous pyelonephritis and question the validity of accepting the same standards used to guide the treatment of patients without transplants, and call attention to the importance of the clinical status for the indication of nephrectomy in cases of emphysematous pyelonephritis.