Risk Factors for Development of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients with Urinary Tract Infection. PLoS One. 2015;10:e0133835. [PMID: 26213991 PMCID: PMC4516244 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0133835]

Acute kidney injury in children hospitalised for febrile urinary tract infection

AIM

To determine (i) prevalence and the risk factors for acute kidney injury (AKI) in children hospitalised for febrile urinary tract infection (fUTI) and (ii) role of AKI as indicator of an underlying VUR. AKI, in fact, is favoured by a reduced nephron mass, often associated to VUR.

METHODS

This retrospective Italian multicentre study enrolled children aged 18 years or younger (median age = 0.5 years) discharged with a primary diagnosis of fUTI. AKI was defined using Kidney Disease/Improving Global Outcomes serum creatinine criteria.

RESULTS

Of 849 children hospitalised for fUTI (44.2% females, median age 0.5 years; IQR = 1.8), 124 (14.6%) developed AKI. AKI prevalence rose to 30% in the presence of underlying congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT). The strongest AKI predictors were presence of CAKUT (OR = 7.5; 95%CI: 3.8-15.2; p = 9.4e-09) and neutrophils levels (OR = 1.13; 95%CI: 1.08-1.2; p = 6.8e-07). At multiple logistic regression analysis, AKI during fUTI episode was a significant indicator of VUR (OR = 3.4; 95%CI: 1.7-6.9; p = 0.001) despite correction for the diagnostic covariates usually used to assess the risk of VUR after the first fUTI episode. Moreover, AKI showed the best positive likelihood ratio, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and specificity for VUR.

CONCLUSION

AKI occurs in 14.6% of children hospitalised for fUTI and is a significant indicator of VUR.

Incidence and predictors of acute kidney injury among adults admitted to the medical intensive care unit of a Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Central Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Acute kidney injury is a prevalent complication in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and a significant global public health concern. It affects approximately 13 million individuals and contributes to nearly two million deaths worldwide. Acute kidney injury among Intensive Care Unit patients is closely associated with higher rates of morbidity and mortality. This study aims to assess the incidence of acute kidney injury and identify predictors among adult patients admitted to the medical Intensive Care Unit.

METHOD

A retrospective follow-up study was conducted by reviewing charts of 317 systematically selected patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit from September 1, 2018, to August 30, 2022, in Wachemo University Nigist Ellen Mohammed Memorial Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. The extraction tool was used for the data collection, Epi-data version 4.6.0 for data entry, and STATA version 14 for data cleaning and analysis. The Kaplan-Meier, log-rank test, and life table were used to describe the data. The Cox proportional hazard regression model was used for analysis.

RESULTS

Among the total study participants, 128 (40.4%) developed Acute Kidney Injury (AKI). The incidence rate of Acute Kidney Injury was 30.1 (95% CI: 25.33, 35.8) per 1000 person-days of observation, with a median survival time of 23 days. It was found that patients with invasive mechanical ventilation (AHR = 2.64; 95% CI: 1.46-4.78), negative fluid balance (AHR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.30-3.03), hypertension (AHR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.05-2.38), and a vasopressor (AHR = 1.72; 95% CI: 1.10-2.63) were independent predictors of acute kidney injury.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of Acute Kidney Injury was a major concern in the ICU of the study area. In the intensive care unit (ICU), it was found that patients with vasopressors, invasive mechanical ventilation, negative fluid balance, and chronic hypertension were independent predictors of developing AKI. It would be better if clinicians in the ICU provided targeted interventions through close monitoring and evaluation of those patients with invasive ventilation, chronic hypertension, negative fluid balance, and vasopressors.

Exploring Factors Affecting Acceptance of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for Patients with Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections: a Descriptive Qualitative Study

Purpose

Patients with recurrent urinary tract infections face complex management challenges. Fecal microbiota transplantation is a superior treatment for chronic infectious diseases, but limited patient knowledge affects treatment decisions. This study aims to identify factors associated with hesitancy towards fecal microbiota transplantation among patients with recurrent urinary tract infections, to help physicians and nurses in providing accurate and useful information to patients.

Patients and Methods

A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews conducted with patients experiencing recurrent urinary tract infections who expressed hesitancy towards fecal microbiota transplantation. The interviews took place between September 2021 and December 2022. Thematic analysis was conducted on the semi-structured interviews to identify perceived facilitators and barriers associated with fecal microbiota transplantation.

Results

The analysis included interviews with thirty adult female patients with recurrent urinary tract infections. Four facilitators influencing patients' decision-making regarding fecal microbiota transplantation were identified: (1) the motivating role of hope and expectations for active patient participation; (2) the influence of healthcare providers, as well as family members and friends on patients' decisions to pursue fecal microbiota transplantation; (3) the patients' perception of fecal microbiota transplantation as a low-risk treatment option; and (4) the dedication to the advancement of medical treatments. In contrast, two primary barriers to accepting fecal microbiota transplantation were identified: (1) that conventional treatment controls disease activity, while fecal microbiota transplantation effects remain uncertain; and (2) that safety concerns surrounding fecal microbiota transplantation.

Conclusion

Comprehensive information about fecal microbiota transplantation, including donor selection, sample processing, the procedure, and potential discomfort, is essential for patients and families to make informed treatment decisions.

Registration

CHiCTR2100048970.

Development and validation of a medication-based risk prediction model for acute kidney injury in older outpatients

BACKGROUND

Older adults are at an increased risk of acute kidney injury (AKI), particularly in community settings, often due to medications. Effective prevention hinges on identifying high-risk patients, yet existing models for predicting AKI risk in older outpatients are scarce, particularly those incorporating medication variables. We aimed to develop an AKI risk prediction model that included medication-related variables for older outpatients.

METHODS

We constructed a cohort of 2,272,257 outpatients aged ≥65 years using a national claims database. This cohort was split into a development (70%) and validation (30%) groups. Our primary goal was to identify newly diagnosed AKI within one month of cohort entry in an outpatient context. We screened 170 variables and developed a risk prediction model using logistic regression.

RESULTS

The final model integrated 12 variables: 2 demographic, 4 comorbid, and 6 medication-related. It showed good performance with acceptable calibration. In the validation cohort, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve value was 0.720 (95% confidence interval, 0.692-0.748). Sensitivity and specificity were 69.9% and 61.9%, respectively. Notably, the model identified high-risk patients as having a 27-fold increased AKI risk compared with low-risk individuals.

CONCLUSION

We have developed a new AKI risk prediction model for older outpatients, incorporating critical medication-related variables with good discrimination. This tool may be useful in identifying and targeting patients who may require interventions to prevent AKI in an outpatient setting.

Hyponatremia and other potential markers of ultrasound abnormalities after a first febrile urinary tract infection in children

Urinary tract infections are the initial manifestation in 30% of urinary tract malformations. Identifying these patients, who could benefit from a specific treatment, is still challenging. Hyponatremia during urinary tract infection has been proposed as a urinary tract malformation marker. We evaluate the prevalence of hyponatremia during febrile urinary tract infections and its association with subjacent urinary tract malformations. We performed a retrospective study of healthy patients under 16 years, diagnosed with a first episode of febrile urinary tract infection, who had undergone blood testing in the acute episode and at least one renal ultrasound during follow-up (January 2014-November 2020). Hyponatremia was defined as (serum sodium ≤ 130 mEq/L). According to imaging findings, we classified patients into three groups: normal kidney ultrasound, mild pelviectasis, and significant urinary tract malformation. We performed logistic regression models to identify independent risk factors for urinary tract malformation and mild pelviectasis. We included 492 patients and 2.8% presented hyponatremia. We identified normal ultrasound in 77%, mild pelviectasis in 10.8%, and urinary tract malformation in 12% of patients. We found an association between mild pelviectasis and hyponatremia [OR 6.6 (CI95% 1.6-26.6)]. However, we found no association between hyponatremia and urinary tract malformation. The parameters that were associated with malformations were presenting a non-E. coli infection, C-reactive-protein levels over 80 mg/L, and bacteremia.

CONCLUSION

Hyponatremia during the first episode of febrile urinary tract infection is present in 2.8% of patients and is associated with mild pelviectasis in imaging. However, hyponatremia does not indicate a greater need for complementary tests to screen for urinary tract malformations.

WHAT IS KNOWN

• Urinary tract infection is the first manifestation in 30% of children with urinary tract malformation. • Hyponatremia could be a marker to identify these children and guide the imaging approach.

WHAT IS NEW

• Around 12% of children with a first episode of febrile urinary tract infection have a urinary tract malformation. • Non-E. coli infection, C-reactive protein levels over 80 mg/L, and bacteremia are markers for malformations to guide diagnostic imaging tests, but hyponatremia (Na ≤ 130 mEq/l) is not a reliable marker.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Drug-Induced Acute Kidney Injury Cases

Introduction

Drug-induced acute kidney injury (DI-AKI) is a frequent adverse event. The identification of DI-AKI is challenged by competing etiologies, clinical heterogeneity among patients, and a lack of accurate diagnostic tools. Our research aims to describe the clinical characteristics and predictive variables of DI-AKI.

Methods

We analyzed data from the Drug-Induced Renal Injury Consortium (DIRECT) study (NCT02159209), an international, multicenter, observational cohort study of enriched clinically adjudicated DI-AKI cases. Cases met the primary inclusion criteria if the patient was exposed to at least 1 nephrotoxic drug for a minimum of 24 hours prior to AKI onset. Cases were clinically adjudicated, and inter-rater reliability (IRR) was measured using Krippendorff's alpha. Variables associated with DI-AKI were identified using L1 regularized multivariable logistic regression. Model performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC AUC).

Results

A total of 314 AKI cases met the eligibility criteria for this analysis, and 271 (86%) cases were adjudicated as DI-AKI. The majority of the AKI cases were recruited from the United States (68%). The most frequent causal nephrotoxic drugs were vancomycin (48.7%), nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (18.2%), and piperacillin/tazobactam (17.8%). The IRR for DI-AKI adjudication was 0.309. The multivariable model identified age, vascular capacity, hyperglycemia, infections, pyuria, serum creatinine (SCr) trends, and contrast media as significant predictors of DI-AKI with good performance (ROC AUC 0.86).

Conclusion

The identification of DI-AKI is challenging even with comprehensive adjudication by experienced nephrologists. Our analysis identified key clinical characteristics and outcomes of DI-AKI compared to other AKI etiologies.

Urinary tract infections and intermittent catheterization among patients with spinal cord injury in Chinese community

We conducted a cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire to investigate the current status of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and the use of clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) in Chinese community-based SCI patients and to explore the risk factors for UTIs in patients using CIC. Our findings suggest that the prevalence of UTIS is higher in Chinese community-based SCI patients compared with patients in medically developed countries. In addition, we found that CIC had the lower incidence of UTIs than urinary indwelling catheter (UIC) and suprapubic catheter (SPC), and that SCI patients with CIC had low rates of use and poor compliance. Further analysis indicated that most of the risk factors for UTIs in CIC patients were associated with irregular use of CIC. Therefore, we call for not only the need to provide stronger caregiver support and financial assistance to improve CIC adherence in Chinese community SCI patients, but also the establishment of a database of Chinese SCI patients in order to enhance the management of bladder emptying methods and further standardize the CIC operation in such patients, thus reducing the risk of UTIs in Chinese community SCI patients.

Antibiotic Resistance Profiling and Phylogenicity of Uropathogenic Bacteria Isolated from Patients with Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are healthcare problems that commonly involve bacterial and, in some rare instances, fungal or viral infections. The irrational prescription and use of antibiotics in UTI treatment have led to an increase in antibiotic resistance. Urine samples (145) were collected from male and female patients from Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. Biochemical analyses were carried out to identify uropathogens. Molecular analysis for the identification of 16S ribosomal RNA in samples was performed via Sanger sequencing. Evolutionary linkage was determined using Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis-7 (MEGA-7). The study observed significant growth in 52% of the samples (83/145). Gram-negative bacteria were identified in 85.5% of samples, while Gram-positive bacteria were reported in 14.5%. The UTI prevalence was 67.5% in females and 32.5% in males. The most prevalent uropathogenic bacteria were Klebsiella pneumoniae (39.7%, 33/83), followed by Escherichia coli (27.7%, 23/83), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10.8%, 9/83), Staphylococcus aureus (9.6%, 8/83), Proteus mirabilis (7.2%, 6/83) and Staphylococcus saprophyticus (4.8%, 4/83). Phylogenetic analysis was performed using the neighbor-joining method, further confirming the relation of the isolates in our study with previously reported uropathogenic isolates. Antibiotic susceptibility tests identified K. pneumonia as being sensitive to imipenem (100%) and fosfomycin (78.7%) and resistant to cefuroxime (100%) and ciprofloxacin (94%). Similarly, E. coli showed high susceptibility to imipenem (100%), fosfomycin (78.2%) and nitrofurantoin (78.2%), and resistance to ciprofloxacin (100%) and cefuroxime (100%). Imipenem was identified as the most effective antibiotic, while cefuroxime and ciprofloxacin were the least. The phylogenetic tree analysis indicated that K. pneumoniae, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus and P. mirabilis clustered with each other and the reference sequences, indicating high similarity (based on 16S rRNA sequencing). It can be concluded that genetically varied uropathogenic organisms are commonly present within the KP population. Our findings demonstrate the need to optimize antibiotic use in treating UTIs and the prevention of antibiotic resistance in the KP population.

Underdiagnosed CKD in Geriatric Trauma Patients and Potent Prevention of Renal Impairment from Polypharmacy Risks through Individual Pharmacotherapy Management (IPM-III)

The aging global patient population with multimorbidity and concomitant polypharmacy is at increased risk for acute and chronic kidney disease, particularly with severe additional disease states or invasive surgical procedures. Because from the expertise of more than 58,600 self-reviewed medications, adverse drug reactions, drug interactions, inadequate dosing, and contraindications all proved to cause or exacerbate the worsening of renal function, we analyzed the association of an electronic patient record- and Summaries of Product Characteristics (SmPCs)-based comprehensive individual pharmacotherapy management (IPM) in the setting of 14 daily interdisciplinary patient visits with the outcome: further renal impairment with reduction of eGFR ≥ 20 mL/min (redGFR) in hospitalized trauma patients ≥ 70 years of age. The retrospective clinical study of 404 trauma patients comparing the historical control group (CG) before IPM with the IPM intervention group (IG) revealed a group-match in terms of potential confounders such as age, sex, BMI, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and injury patterns. Preexisting chronic kidney disease (CKD) > stage 2 diagnosed as eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m² on hospital admission was 42% in the CG versus 50% in the IG, although in each group only less than 50% of this was coded as an ICD diagnosis in the patients' discharge letters (19% in CG and 21% in IG). IPM revealed an absolute risk reduction in redGFR of 5.5% (11 of 199 CG patients) to 0% in the IPM visit IG, a relative risk reduction of 100%, NNT 18, indicating high efficacy of IPM and benefit in improving outcomes. There even remained an additive superimposed significant association that included patients in the IPM group before/beyond the 14 daily IPM interventions, with a relative redGFR risk reduction of 0.55 (55%) to 2.5% (5 of 204 patients), OR 0.48 [95% CI 0.438-0.538] (p < 0.001). Bacteriuria, loop diuretics, allopurinol, eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m², eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m², and CKD 3b were significantly associated with redGFR; of the latter, 10.5% developed redGFR. Further multivariable regression analysis adjusting for these and established risk factors revealed an additive, superimposed IPM effect on redGFR with an OR 0.238 [95% CI 0.06-0.91], relative risk reduction of 76.2%, regression coefficient -1.437 including patients not yet visited in the IPM period. As consequences of the IPM procedure, the IG differed from the CG by a significant reduction of NSAIDs (p < 0.001), HCT (p = 0.028) and Würzburger pain drip (p < 0.001), and significantly increased prescription rate of antibiotics (p = 0.004). In conclusion, (1) more than 50% of CKD in geriatric patients was not pre-recognized and underdiagnosed, and (2) the electronic patient records-based IPM interdisciplinary networking strategy was associated with effective prevention of further periinterventional renal impairment and requires obligatory implementation in all elderly patients to urgently improve patient and drug safety.

Multidrug Resistance Urinary Tract Infection in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: An Observational Study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the presence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) urinary tract infections (UTI) and the MDR pattern of the bacterial isolates causing MDR UTI in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 326 diagnosed CKD patients in the Department of Nephrology at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU). Purposive sampling technique was used, and data were collected from the respondents using a semi-structured questionnaire. From duly collected urine samples, identification of organisms and antibiotic susceptibility tests were done, maintaining proper procedure in the microbiology laboratory.

RESULTS

The study population was predominantly female (60.1%). The outpatient department provided the majority of the respondents (75.2%). A history of UTI within the last six months was present among 74.2% of the respondents, and 59.2% had a history of taking antibiotics. Bacterial isolates were predominantly gram-negative (79.4%). Escherichia coli was the most prevalent bacterial isolate, present in 55.5% of the study population. Among the respondents, 64.7% were found to have MDR UTI, and among them, 81.5% were gram-negative, and 18.5% were gram-positive isolates. Among all the antibiotics tested, Colistin Sulphate, Polymyxin B, Cefoxitin, Vancomycin, and Linezolid had the highest (100%) sensitivity, followed by Meropenem, with 94.9% sensitivity. Among the gram-negative isolates, Acinetobacter and Enterobacter were most resistant to aminoglycoside, at 70% and 91.7%, respectively. E. coli, Klebsiella, Proteus, and Pseudomonas were most resistant to quinolone at 76.8%, 76.9%, 83.3%, and 66.7%, respectively. Among the gram-positive isolates, Enterococci and Staphylococcus aureus were most resistant to aminoglycoside, 81.5% and 88.9%, respectively. Streptococcus was found to be most resistant to cephalosporin (75.0%). There was a statistically significant (p < 0.05) relationship between MDR UTI, history of UTI, and previous antibiotic intake, and diabetic CKD.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of MDR UTI among CKD patients is considerably high. When treating UTI, choosing an appropriate antibiotic by urine culture and implementing a guideline on the rational use of antibiotics are essential to managing and preventing the development of MDR UTI.

Association of dietary inflammatory index with chronic kidney disease and kidney stones in Iranian adults: A cross-sectional study within the Ravansar non-communicable diseases cohort

Chronic inflammation plays a central role in the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The association of dietary inflammatory index (DII) with CKD remains underexplored. Thus, the present study aimed to determine the association between the DII, risk of CKD, and kidney stone formation using the data from the Ravansar non-communicable diseases (RaNCD) cohort study conducted in Kermanshah, Iran. The cross-sectional study was conducted using the recruitment phase data of the RaNCD cohort study comprising 9,824 individuals with an age range of 35–65 years. Food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) were used to evaluate the association between diet and DII scores. Renal function was assessed using estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and serum creatinine (Cr) level. CKD was defined based on eGFR. The prevalence of kidney stones was evaluated by participants’ self-report. A total of 1,791 participants (18.24%) had kidney stones, while a majority were in the first quartile (27.69%). Out of 9,824 subjects, 1,747 subjects (eGFR: 18.50 ml/min per 1.73 m2; 95% CI: 17.72–19.30) had CKD. A significant trend for eGFR across all quartiles (Qs) of DII was observed. The odds ratio of CKD in the fourth quartile (pro-inflammatory diet) was 4.38-times higher than in the first quartile (anti-inflammatory diet) of DII (95% CI = 3.58–5.36). Women were found to be more likely to have less eGFR than men in the DII Qs. Collectively, the findings indicated that consumption of a pro-inflammatory diet was associated with a high occurrence of CKD. As a matter of interest, the results also revealed that a pro-inflammatory diet had no significant correlation with kidney stone development.

Prevalence of bacteriuria in cats with neurogenic bladder

Urinary tract infections are defined as the adherence, multiplication, and persistence of an infectious agent within the urogenital system, causing an associated inflammatory response and clinical signs; instead, the presence of bacteria in urine as determined by positive bacterial culture (PUC) from a properly collected urine specimen, in the absence of clinical signs, is defined subclinical bacteriuria. Limited information on the prevalence of PUC in spinal cord injury cats affected by neurogenic bladder (NB) is available. On contrary, in NB dogs and humans the prevalence of bacteriuria is well documented. Moreover, while in humans information about bacteriemia associated with NB is already available, this aspect has never been studied in NB cats. The aim of this prospective study was to determine the prevalence of PUC in cats with NB, compared to animals affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD) and healthy cats. Furthermore, the prevalence of bacteriemia in cats with NB was evaluated. Fifty-one cats met the inclusion criteria: 12 cats were affected by NB, 22 had CKD and 17 were healthy. The prevalence of PUC was 58.33% and 18% in NB and CKD cat populations, respectively. All blood cultures were negative. The incomplete bladder emptying and the decreased resistance in the bladder wall could be considered predisposing elements to PUC in the NB feline population. The results of this study highlight, for the first time, an high prevalence of PUC in cats affected by NB, which was not found to be associated with bacteriemia.

Acute kidney injury secondary to urinary tract infection in kidney transplant recipients

Acute kidney injury (AKI) in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) is a common, yet poorly investigated, complication of urinary tract infections (UTI) and urosepsis. A retrospective comparative analysis was performed, recruiting 101 KTRs with urosepsis, 100 KTRs with UTI, and 100 KTRs without history of UTI or sepsis. The incidences of AKI in the urosepsis and UTI groups were 75.2% and 41%, respectively. The urosepsis group has also presented with a significantly higher prevalence of AKI stage 2 and 3 than the UTI group. The rates of recovery from AKI stages 1, 2 and 3, were 75,6%, 55% and 26.1%, respectively. Factors independently associated with renal recovery from AKI were: AKI severity grade (AKI stage 2 with OR = 0.25 and AKI stage 3 with OR = 0.1), transfusion of red blood cells (RBC) (OR = 0.22), and the use of steroid bolus in the acute phase of treatment (OR = 4). The septic status (urosepsis vs UTI) did not influence the rates of renal recovery from AKI after adjustment for the remaining variables. The dominant cause of RBC transfusions in the whole population was upper GI-bleeding. In multivariable analyses, the occurrence of AKI was also independently associated with a greater decline of eGFR at 1-year post-discharge and with a greater risk of graft loss. In KTRs with both urosepsis and UTI, the occurrence of AKI portends poor transplantation outcomes. The local transfusion policy, modulation of immunosuppression and stress ulcer prophylaxis (which is not routinely administered in KTRs) in the acute setting may be modifiable factors that significantly impact long-term transplantation outcomes.

Dietary total antioxidant capacity and its association with renal function and kidney stones: Results of a RaNCD cohort study

There is evidence to support the hypothesis that dietary antioxidants have shown protective effects against chronic kidney disease (CKD). The purpose of this study was to determine the association between the dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC), renal function, and development of CKD and kidney stones in Ravansar Non‐Communicable Diseases (RaNCD) cohort study, Kermanshah, Iran. This cross‐sectional study was conducted using the recruitment baseline data of the RaNCD cohort study on 9,777 individuals aged 35–65 years. Food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was performed to assess diet. DTAC scores were calculated using the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of selected foods. Renal function was assessed by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), blood urea nitrogen, and serum creatinine concentration. Prevalent CKD was based on an eGFR less than <60 ml/min per 1.73 m². Incidence of kidney stones was also assessed by self‐reporting. Out of 9,777 participants, 1,747 subjects (eGFR: 18.50 ml/min per 1.73 m²; 95% confidence interval (CI): 17.72–19.30) had CKD. The mean DTAC score in this study was 0.24 ± 0.16 µmol TE/100 g (micromole of Trolox Equivalents). We showed a significant trend for eGFR across quartiles of DTAC, i.e., participants in the fourth quartile had a higher glomerular filtration rate (GFR) than those in the first one (DTAC _{Q4 vs Q1} = 82.20 versus 72.20 ml/min per 1.73 m², p < .001). Another finding is that high DTAC scores were not associated with having kidney stones after adjusting for confounders. We revealed that higher DTAC scores have positive effects on the renal function. Interestingly, our findings showed that a high DTAC score had nonsignificant correlation with odds of kidney stones.

Adverse Clinical Outcomes among Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients Treated for Urinary Tract Infection

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common urologic complication among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, data regarding UTI outcomes in this population are scarce. We aimed to evaluate adverse outcomes of UTI among patients with IBD. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of consecutive adult patients who visited the emergency room (ER) at Sheba Medical Center due to a UTI between 2012 and 2018. Data included demographic and clinical variables. UTI cases were extracted using ICD-10 coding. Results: Of 21,808 (ER) visits with a UTI, 122 were IBD patients (Crohn’s disease—52, ulcerative colitis—70). Contrary to non-IBD subjects, patients with IBD had higher rates of hospitalization, acute kidney injury (AKI) and 30 day-recurrent hospitalization (59.3% vs. 68.9%, p = 0.032; 4.6% vs. 13.9%, p < 0.001; 7.3% vs. 15.6%, p = 0.001, respectively). Among patients with IBD, advanced age (p = 0.005) and recent hospitalization (p = 0.037) were associated with increased risk for hospitalization, while hydronephrosis (p = 0.005), recent hospitalization (p = 0.011) and AKI (p = 0.017) were associated with increased 30-day recurrent hospitalization. Neither immunosuppressants nor biologics were associated with UTI outcomes among patients with IBD. Conclusions: Patients with IBD treated for a UTI had higher rates of hospitalization, AKI and 30-day recurrent hospitalization than non-IBD patients. No association was observed between immunosuppressants or biologics and UTI outcomes.

Predisposition of Blood group Non-secretors to Urinary tract infection with Escherichia coli Anti-microbial Resistance and Acute Kidney Injury

Urinary tract infection (UTI) causes significant renal damage and disease severity is compounded by antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and other comorbidities in the patient. Blood group antigens secreted in body fluids (secretor status) are known to play a role in bacterial adhesion and we studied its influence on AMR in UTI. A total of 2758 patients with UTI were studied with urine culture, qualitative and semiquantitative urine microscopy, serum creatinine and secretor status in saliva samples by adsorption-inhibition method. Of these, AMR from 300 patients with E. coli infection were assessed as per CLSI 2019 guidelines and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) genes (bla TEM, bla CTX-M, bla SHV) and NDM1 genes were studied using TaqMan probes in Real-time polymerase chain reaction. Patients with UTI were followed up for two weeks. Female patients had higher predilection (57%) for E. coli infection while patients with diabetes or non-secretors had none. In our study, ESBL producers were seen in 62% of the E. coli isolates and fosfomycin had 100% susceptibility. Non-secretors were significantly associated with acute kidney injury (AKI), AMR and ESBL genes. Multidrug-resistance (MDR) was noted in 127/160 (79.4%) ESBL and 17/18 (94%) NDM1 gene encoding strains. Quantitative urine microscopy scoring predicted AKI both at presentation and at end of follow up. ESBL producers were common in our study population and non-secretors had a significant association with AMR genes. Urine microscopy scoring system may be a useful tool to predict AKI in patients with UTI.

Predisposition of Blood group Non-secretors to Urinary tract infection with Escherichia coli Anti-microbial Resistance and Acute Kidney Injury

Urinary tract infection (UTI) causes significant renal damage and disease severity is compounded by antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and other comorbidities in the patient. Blood group antigens secreted in body fluids (secretor status) are known to play a role in bacterial adhesion and we studied its influence on AMR in UTI. A total of 2758 patients with UTI were studied with urine culture, qualitative and semiquantitative urine microscopy, serum creatinine and secretor status in saliva samples by adsorption-inhibition method. Of these, AMR from 300 patients with E. coli infection were assessed as per CLSI 2019 guidelines and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) genes (bla TEM, bla CTX-M, bla SHV) and NDM1 genes were studied using TaqMan probes in Real-time polymerase chain reaction. Patients with UTI were followed up for two weeks. Female patients had higher predilection (57%) for E. coli infection while patients with diabetes or non-secretors had none. In our study, ESBL producers were seen in 62% of the E. coli isolates and fosfomycin had 100% susceptibility. Non-secretors were significantly associated with acute kidney injury (AKI), AMR and ESBL genes. Multidrug-resistance (MDR) was noted in 127/160 (79.4%) ESBL and 17/18 (94%) NDM1 gene encoding strains. Quantitative urine microscopy scoring predicted AKI both at presentation and at end of follow up. ESBL producers were common in our study population and non-secretors had a significant association with AMR genes. Urine microscopy scoring system may be a useful tool to predict AKI in patients with UTI.

Associations Between Kidney Dysfunction and Risk Factors in Patients with Transurethral Resection of the Prostate

Purpose

Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) with urinary retention can result in kidney dysfunction. Several risk factors might influence deterioration in kidney function. The aims of this study were to assess the association between kidney dysfunction and risk factors in patients with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).

Methods

We reviewed medical records of BPH patients managed by TURP and having high levels of blood urea and creatinine. Data collected were age, history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), urinary tract infection (UTI), urinary retention, and urinary tract stones, duration of obstruction, and blood-urea and -creatinine levels before and after TURP. Chi-suare and paired t- tests were used.

Results

There were 64 patients in the study. More were aged 60-69 years (42.2%) than other age-groups, 53.1% had a history of hypertension, 12.5% DM, 35.9% UTI, all urinary retention, 14.1% urinary tract stones, and 92.2% obstruction duration <14 days. There were significant differences in blood-urea and -creatinine levels between before and after TURP (p<0.001). There were no significant differences between age-group, hypertension, DM, UTI, urinary retention, urinary stones, or duration of obstruction with kidney dysfunction after TURP (p>0.001).

Conclusion

Age, hypertension, DM, UTI, urinary retention, urinary tract stones, and duration of obstruction can be risk factors of kidney dysfunction in TURP patients, and TURP might improve blood-urea and -creatinine levels. There was no significant association between kidney recovery and kidney dysfunction with the number of risk factors in TURP and pre-TURP patients.

Risk factors for urosepsis in chronic kidney disease patients with urinary tract infections

Occurrence of urosepsis is not uncommon following urinary tract infections (UTI). However, there is a lack of evidence explaining the risk factors predisposing to urosepsis in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This retrospective study was undertaken to evaluate the incidence and possible risk factors for urosepsis among patients hospitalized with UTI in a cohort of CKD patients. Patients were divided into the urosepsis group and the non-urosepsis group. Of 489 hospitalized patients with UTI, 70 (14.3%) acquired urosepsis. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that diabetes, urinary catheter and length of hospital stay (p < 0.001 for all) were significant independent predictive risk factors for urosepsis in CKD patients with UTI in addition to age, glomerular filtration rate, hydronephrosis, acute kidney injury and E. coli infection (p < 0.05 for all). Finally, Klebsiella spp. cases were associated with significantly higher odds for urosepsis than E. coli cases (OR: 3.5, 95% CI: 2.86-7.23, p < 0.001 vs. OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.19-3.69, p = 0.038). Diabetes, presence of an indwelling urinary catheter, length of hospitalization, and infection with Klebsiella spp were independent risk factors for urosepsis in CKD patients with UTI.

Risk factors for HTLV-1, acute kidney injury, and urinary tract infection among aboriginal adults with end stage kidney disease in central Australia

Central Australia is a human T-cell leukemia virus type 1c (HTLV-1c) endemic region and has the highest incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Australia. The factors associated with HTLV-1 seropositivity among Aboriginal Australian adults with CKD receiving hemodialysis (HD) were determined. A retrospective observational study of Aboriginal adults (≥ 18 years) who were receiving regular HD at the two main dialysis units in Alice Springs, December 1, 2010 to December 31, 2015. Demographic and clinical data before commencing HD were extracted from hospital records from the first presentation to Alice Springs Hospital (ASH) to HD commencement and associations were determined using logistic regression. Among 373 patients receiving HD, 133 (35.9%) were HTLV-1 infected. Identifiable factors associated with HTLV-1 status included increasing age, male gender, and diabetes before HD. The odds of diabetes mellitus were significantly higher among patients with HTLV-1 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.76, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19, 6.39; p = 0.017). More than one-fifth of participants had an acute kidney injury, the risk of which was increased among those with a previous blood stream infection (aOR: 3.02, 95% CI: 1.71, 5.34, p < 0.001). Men with a high HTLV-1 proviral load (≥500 copies per 105 peripheral blood leukocytes) had an increased risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) before HD (aOR: 5.15, 95% CI: 1.62, 16.40; p = 0.006). A strong association between HTLV-1 and diabetes, and an increased risk of UTI among men with a high HTLV-1 PVL, suggest that interactions between HTLV-1 infection and conventional risk factors may increase the risk for CKD in this population.

COVID-19 Infection and Acute Kidney Injury: Cause or Complication?

Management of COVID-19 infection is the trend topic in the scientific community and case identification is a key step to contain the pandemic. While pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome represent the typical severe manifestations of the disease, atypical presentations pose significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for physicians, especially when diagnostic tests are repeatedly negative. Clinical picture of COVID-19 patients is often complicated by bacterial infections or thrombotic events. Here, we present and discuss a case report identified in our center as example of a challenging diagnosis and 2 uncommon complications: severe hyponatremia and acute kidney injury requiring renal replacement therapy, caused by parenchymal damage and with a possible direct involvement of the virus.

Preadmission kidney function and risk of acute kidney injury in patients hospitalized with acute pyelonephritis: A Danish population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Only few smaller studies have examined if impaired kidney function increases the risk of acute kidney injury in patients with acute pyelonephritis. Therefore, we estimated 30-day risk of acute kidney injury by preadmission kidney function in patients with acute pyelonephritis. Furthermore, we examined if impaired kidney function was a risk factor for development of acute kidney injury in pyelonephritis patients.

METHODS

This cohort study included patients with a first-time hospitalization with pyelonephritis from 2000 to 2017. Preadmission kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <30, 30-44, 45-59, 60-89, and ≥90 ml/min/1.73 m2) and acute kidney injury within 30 days after admission were assessed using laboratory data on serum creatinine. The absolute 30-days risk of acute kidney injury was assessed treating death as a competing risk. The impact of eGFR on the odds of acute kidney injury was compared by odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals estimated using logistic regression adjusted for potential confounding factors.

RESULTS

Among 8,760 patients with available data on preadmission kidney function, 25.8% had a preadmission eGFR <60. The 30-day risk of acute kidney injury was 16% among patients with preadmission eGFR ≥90 and increased to 22%, 33%, 42%, and 47% for patients with preadmission eGFR of 60-89, 45-59, 30-44, and <30 respectively. Compared with eGFR≥90, the adjusted ORs for the subgroups with eGFR 60-89, 45-59, 30-45, and <30 were 0.95, 1.32, 1.78, and 2.19 respectively.

CONCLUSION

Acute kidney injury is a common complication in patients hospitalized with acute pyelonephritis. Preadmission impaired kidney function is a strong risk factor for development of acute kidney injury in pyelonephritis patients and more attention should be raised in prevention of pyelonephritis in patients with a low kidney function.

Acute kidney injury in patients with malignant middle cerebral artery infarction undergoing hyperosmolar therapy with mannitol

PURPOSE

To assess the kidney safety profile of mannitol in patients with malignant middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We studied consecutive patients with malignant MCA infarction (01/2008-01/2018). Malignant MCA infarction was defined according to DESTINY criteria. We compared clinical endpoints including acute kidney injury (AKI; according to Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes [KDIGO]) and dialysis between patients with and without mannitol. Multivariable model was built to explore predictor variables of AKI and in-hospital death.

RESULTS

Overall, 219 patients with malignant MCA infarction were included. Mannitol was administered in 93/219 (42.5%) patients with an average dosage of 650 g (250-950 g). Patients treated with mannitol more frequently suffered from AKI (39.8% vs. 11.9%; p < 0.001) and required hemodialysis (7.5% vs. 0.8%; p = 0.01) than patients without mannitol. At discharge, more patients in the mannitol group had persistent AKI than control patients (23.7% vs. 6.4%, p < 0.001). In multivariable model, mannitol emerged as independent predictor of AKI (OR 5.02, 95%CI 2.36-10.69; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Acute kidney injury appears to be a frequent complication of hyperosmolar therapy with mannitol in patients with malignant MCA infarction. Given the lack of evidence supporting effectiveness of mannitol in these patients, its routine use should be carefully considered.

Development of the Adherence to Healthy Behaviors Scale

Adherence to healthy behaviors is a protective factor in the disease progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Measuring adherence can lead to the recognition of unhealthy behaviors and the suggestion of programs to prevent poor health outcomes. An assessment measurement for patients with CKD not requiring dialysis was developed and psychometrically tested. A convenience sample (n = 330) of patients with CKD attending a nephrology clinic in southern Taiwan completed the 13-item Adherence to Healthy Behaviors Scale (AHBS). A principal axis factor analysis and a parallel analysis demonstrated a three-factor structure accounting for 47.16% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated a good model fit. The criterion-related validity was adequate (r = .51; p < .000), with a Cronbach's alpha of .70; the test-retest reliability demonstrated good stability (r = .70; p < .000). The AHBS is a valid, reliable instrument to assess adherence to healthy behaviors among patients with CKD.

Delayed Fever and Acute Kidney Injury in Patients with Urinary Tract Infection

The presence of fever has long been a warning sign of severe urinary tract infection (UTI). However, we previously identified that inpatients with afebrile UTI had an increased risk of developing acute kidney injury (AKI). After expanding this cohort, 1132 inpatients with UTI diagnosed between January 2006 and April 2019 were analyzed. Overall, 159 (14%) of these patients developed AKI; bacteremia, urolithiasis, septic shock, hypertension, lower baseline renal function, marked leukocytosis, and the absence of fever were independently linked to AKI. When we further studied the cohort of inpatients with fever during hospitalization, we identified a group of "delayed fever" UTI inpatients who did not have fever as their initial presentation. Compared to patients presenting with fever at the emergency department, patients with delayed fever tended to be younger and have less frequent infection with Escherichia coli, more frequent AKI, upper tract infection, and a longer hospital stay. Despite the initial absence of fever, these patients demonstrated larger extents of elevations in both serum white blood cell counts and C-reactive protein levels. In short, besides UTI patients with lower baseline renal function that remain afebrile during their hospital stay, clinical awareness of the increased incidence of AKI in younger patients with "delayed fever" should also be noted.

Predictive factors for early clinical response in community-onset Escherichia coli urinary tract infection and effects of initial antibiotic treatment on early clinical response

BACKGROUND

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common disease. It often requires hospitalization, and severe presentations, including sepsis and other complications, have a mortality rate of 6.7%-8.7%.

AIM

To evaluate the predictive factors for early clinical response and effects of initial antibiotic therapy on early clinical response in community-onset Escherichia coli (E. coli) urinary tract infections (UTIs).

METHODS

This retrospective study was conducted at Wonkwang University Hospital in South Korea between January 2011 and December 2017. Hospitalized patients (aged ≥ 18 years) who were diagnosed with community-onset E. coli UTI were enrolled in this study.

RESULTS

A total of 511 hospitalized patients were included. 66.1% of the patients had an early clinical response. The mean length of hospital stay in patients with an early clinical response were each 4.3 d shorter than in patients without an early clinical response. In the multiple regression analysis, initial appropriate antibiotic therapy (OR = 2.449, P = 0.006), extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli (OR = 2.112, P = 0.044), improper use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials (OR = 0.411, P = 0.006), and a stay in a healthcare facility before admission (OR = 0.562, P = 0.033) were the factors associated with an early clinical response. Initial broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy was not associated with an early clinical response.

CONCLUSION

ESBL producing E. coli, and the type of residence before hospital admission were the factors associated with an early clinical response. Appropriateness of initial antibiotic therapy was a predictive factor for an early clinical response, but broad-spectrum of initial antibiotic therapy did not impact early clinical response.

Urine microscopy and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio are early predictors of acute kidney injury in patients with urinary tract infection

Objective

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common cause of morbidity and hospitalisation in the population worldwide. Upper UTI is indolent and causes subclinical acute kidney injury (AKI) resulting in preventable cause of scarring of renal parenchyma. We explored urinary and serum levels of kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), haematological parameters and quantitative urine microscopy parameters to predict kidney injury.

Methods

Neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is obtained by dividing absolute neutrophil count with absolute lymphocyte count. Quantitative urine sediment microscopy was performed and correlated with clinical, biochemical and haematological findings to predict AKI in patients with UTI. Quantitative ELISA was performed for serum and urine levels of KIM-1. Seventy two adult patients with UTI were enrolled, 45 of whom had AKI while 27 were in the non-AKI group.

Results

NLR (p=0.005) and renal tubular epithelial cell-granular cast score in quantitative urine microscopy (p=0.008) are strong predictors of AKI in patients with UTI while rest of quantitative urine microscopy parameters and serum and urinary levels of KIM-1 molecule were not found to be useful in prediction of AKI.

Conclusion

NLR in haemogram is a novel and useful biomarker for predicting AKI in patients with UTI.

Associations between ambient temperature and hepatobiliary and renal hospitalizations in California, 1999 to 2009

BACKGROUND

High ambient temperature has been linked to a number of types of morbidity, such as cardiovascular disease and dehydration. Fewer studies have explored specifically the relationship between ambient temperature and liver, kidney, and urinary system morbidity despite known biological impacts of extreme high temperatures on those systems.

OBJECTIVE

We assessed the relationship between temperature and hospitalizations related to selected renal system (urinary stones, urinary tract infections, septicemia, chronic kidney disease, and a composite of selected kidney diseases) and hepatobiliary (biliary tract disease, other liver diseases [e.g. cirrhosis], non-diabetic pancreatic disorders) ailments.

METHODS

We compiled data on daily hospitalization counts for hepatobiliary and renal system diseases in California for 1999 through 2009, and matched it with meteorological data. Relationships between temperature and admissions during the warm season (May-October) were assessed at the climate zone-level cumulative over 14 days following exposure using distributed lag non-linear models, with adjustment for time trends and relative humidity, then combined using random-effects meta-regression to create statewide estimates.

RESULTS

Higher mean temperatures in the warm season were associated with significant increases in renal admissions for urinary tract infection [% change per 10 °F: 7.3, 95% CI: 5.6, 9.1], septicemia [% increase: 2.9; 95% CI: 1.5, 4.3], urinary stones [% increase: 15.2; 95% CI: 10.3, 20.4], and composite kidney disease. Additionally, increased temperatures were linked to increased admissions for biliary tract disease, but lower risk of other liver diseases. Some differences in association by race/ethnicity and regional meteorology were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure to higher temperatures was associated with increased risk of multiple renal system hospitalization types, with additional links to specific hepatobiliary morbidities observed.

Predicting complicated outcomes in spinal cord injury patients with urinary tract infection: Development and internal validation of a risk model

CONTEXT/OBJECTIVE

Patients with chronic SCI hospitalized for UTI can have significant morbidity. It is unclear whether SIRS criteria, SOFA score, or quick SOFA score can be used to predict complicated outcome.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study. A risk prediction model was developed and internally validated using bootstrapping methodology.

SETTING

Urban, academic hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.

PARTICIPANTS

402 hospitalizations for UTI between October 1, 2010 and September 30, 2015, arising from 164 patients with chronic SCI, were included in the final analysis. Outcome/measures: An a priori composite complicated outcome defined as: 30-day hospital mortality, length of hospital stay >4 days, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and hospital revisit within 30 days of discharge.

RESULTS

Mean age of patients was 46.4 ± 12.3 years; 83.6% of patient-visits involved males. The primary outcome occurred in 278 (69.2%) hospitalizations. In multivariate analysis, male sex was protective (odds ratio [OR], 0.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.18-0.99; P = 0.048) while Gram-positive urine culture (OR 3.07; 95% CI, 1.05-9.01; P = 0.041), urine culture with no growth (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.02-2.80; P = 0.041), and greater SOFA score (for one-point increments, OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.18-1.69; P < 0.001) were predictive for complicated outcome. SIRS criteria and qSOFA score were not associated with complicated outcome. Our risk prediction model demonstrated good overall performance (Brier score, 0.19), fair discriminatory power (c-index, 0.72), and good calibration during internal validation.

CONCLUSION

Clinical variables present on hospital admission with UTI may help identify SCI patients at risk for complicated outcomes and inform future clinical decision-making.

Incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of acute kidney injury associated with acute pyelonephritis in patients attending a tertiary care referral center

Acute kidney injury (AKI) associated with acute pyelonephritis (APN) rarely has been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and risk factors of AKI associated with APN. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 403 patients over 18-year old age hospitalized for APN management from October 2009 to September 2014 in tertiary care referral center. Demographic data, clinical symptoms and signs, and laboratory findings were gathered from the medical records and analyzed. The mean age of patients was 57 years and APN commonly occurred in female (87.6%). AKI occurred in 253 patients (62.8%). As per the RIFLE classification, renal injury was graded as ‘Risk’ (62.1%), ‘Injury’ (26.5%), and ‘Failure’ (11.4%). AKI patients were more likely a male gender and had complicated APN. The AKI group had a significantly higher tendency to present with shock. The prevalence of underlying chronic kidney disease (CKD) was significantly higher in the AKI group. There was no difference in mortality between the AKI and non-AKI groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that age over 65 (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.18–3.13, p= .008), complicated (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.35–3.34, p= .001) and bilateral APN (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.01–2.88, p= .045), and initial shock (OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.05–5.71, p= .039) were independent risk factors for the occurrence of AKI in patients with APN. Physicians should attempt to prevent, detect, and manage AKI associated with APN in patients with above conditions.

Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns and Prevalence of Some Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases Genes in Gram-Negative Bacteria Isolated from Patients Infected with Urinary Tract Infections in Al-Najaf City, Iraq

BACKGROUND

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) caused by multi-drug resistance and Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL)-producing gram-negative bacteria has been increased in different countries. The aim of the present study was to detect the antibiotic susceptibility patterns and the distribution of Bla-TEM, Bla-SHV and Bla-CTX-M genes in gram-negative bacteria isolated from outpatients infected with UTI, with and without CKD in Al-Najaf city, Iraq.

METHODS

A total of 120 non-duplicate urine samples were collected from outpatients (37 male and 83 female) infected with UTI in Al-Najaf city, Iraq; 60 samples from patients Without Kidney Disease (WKD) and 60 samples from patients with CKD. The antibiotic susceptibility testing was done according to Kirby-Bauer method. PCR technique was performed to investigate the prevalence of Bla-TEM, Bla-SHV and Bla-CTX-M genes.

RESULTS

A total of 126 different gram-negative bacterial strains were isolated. Escherichia coli (E. coli) was the most prevalent bacterium (49 isolates) followed by Idebsiella pneumonia (K. pneumonia) (35 isolates), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) (18 isolates), Citrobacter freundii (C. freundii) (12 isolates), Enterobocter aerogenes (E. aerogenes) (8 isolates) and Proteus mirabilis (P. mirabilis) (4 isolates). All bacterial isolates from UTI patients with CKD were resistant to antibiotics and carried Bla-TEM, Bla-SHV and Bla-CTX-M genes more than isolates from UTI patients with WKD.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that all bacterial isolates from UTI patients with CKD were more virulent than isolates from UTI patients with WKD.

Acute Kidney Injury in Children with Kidney Transplantation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

AKI is associated with progression of CKD. Little is known about AKI after kidney transplantation in pediatric recipients. We aim to describe the epidemiology, risk factors, consequences, and outcomes of AKI in this population.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

We performed a retrospective longitudinal analysis of pediatric kidney transplant recipients followed at The Hospital for Sick Children (Toronto, Canada) from 2001 to 2012. AKI was defined as an increase in serum creatinine ≥1.5 times baseline, and a rise of serum creatinine ≥1.25 but <1.5 times baseline defined subacute AKI.

RESULTS

Of 179 children, 122 were eligible for analysis. At baseline (3 months post-transplant), median age of the children was 13 years old (interquartile range, 9-16 years old), and 53% had CKD stage 2. Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract accounted for 46% of children. Over the study period (12 years), the incidence of AKI was 37% (n=45 children), and 65% (79 children) experienced subacute AKI. Twenty-seven percent (33 children) did not develop AKI or subacute AKI. The main causes of AKI were infections other than urinary tract infections, rejection, and urinary tract infections. In a multivariable Poisson regression analysis, independent risk factors for AKI included younger age, girls, grafts from deceased donors, and lower baseline eGFR. AKI was significantly associated with lower long-term GFR and graft loss independent of rejection episodes. Moreover, subacute AKI was associated with progression of CKD.

CONCLUSIONS

AKI and subacute AKI were common after pediatric kidney transplantation, and they were associated with graft loss, lower eGFR, and more rapid progression of CKD.

Bladder emptying method is the primary determinant of urinary tract infections in patients with spinal cord injury: results from a prospective rehabilitation cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To understand the occurrence of and risk factors for urinary tract infections (UTIs) in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) undergoing specialized SCI rehabilitation in Switzerland.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study used data collected from 369 patients, who participated in a nationwide rehabilitation cohort for SCI in Switzerland between 2013 and 2017. Information on UTIs as well as their potential determinants, including demographics, lesion characteristics, and time-updated data on functional independence and bladder management, was used. Multivariable regression methods were applied to perform a time-updated evaluation of determinants of UTI risk.

RESULTS

The crude incidence rate (IR) of UTIs was 0.55 UTIs per 100 person-days (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.49-0.62), the cumulative IR was 43%, and the median length of stay was 122 days. The bladder emptying method at discharge was largely determined by 28 days after admission. Among those using indwelling or assisted intermittent catheterization (IC), the likelihood of self-IC at discharge was positively related to the level of self-care independence, negatively related to age at injury, and lower in women than men. Catheter users consistently had higher adjusted IRs for UTI than spontaneous voiders. The IR ratios were: indwelling catheter: 5.97 (95% CI 2.63-13.57); assisted IC: 6.05 (95% CI 2.63-13.94); self-IC: 5.16 (95% CI 2.31-11.52); test for differences across catheter groups: P = 0.82. Lesion severity and previous UTI had additional but smaller effect sizes.

CONCLUSIONS

Bladder emptying method was identified as the main risk factor for UTI in patients with SCI. As spontaneous voiders had the lowest UTI rate, further research is warranted to reduce voiding dysfunction, for instance using neuromodulation procedures.

Acute Kidney Injury Due to Diarrheal Illness Requiring Hospitalization: Data from the National Inpatient Sample

BACKGROUND

Diarrheal illness is a major reason for hospitalization, but data on consequent acute kidney injury (AKI) are sparse.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence of AKI in infectious and non-infectious diarrheal illness requiring hospitalization and to identify correlates and outcomes of diarrhea-associated AKI.

DESIGN

Using data from the 2012 National Inpatient Sample (NIS), we created a cohort of patients with a primary diagnosis of diarrheal illness. Diarrheal illness, disease correlates, and AKI were defined by ICD-9 diagnosis codes. We used logistic regression with backward variable selection to determine factors independently associated with AKI in infectious and non-infectious diarrheal illness, as well as to determine the association of AKI with in-hospital mortality. We used generalized linear models to assess differences in length of stay and costs of hospitalization.

MAIN MEASURES

The primary outcome was AKI in hospitalized diarrheal illness. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and cost of hospitalization associated with AKI.

KEY RESULTS

One in ten adults hospitalized with diarrheal illness experienced AKI, with higher incidence rates in older adults. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hypertension were associated with increased odds of AKI (all diarrhea OR 4.81, 95% CI 4.52 to 5.12 and OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.27 to 1.40, respectively). AKI in diarrheal illness was associated with substantial increase in mortality (OR 5.05, 95% CI 4.47 to 5.72), length of stay (mean increase 1.7 days [95% CI 1.6 to 1.8]), and cost of hospitalization (mean increase $4411 [95% CI 4023 to 4800]).

CONCLUSION

Acute kidney injury is common and consequential among patients hospitalized for diarrheal illness. Persons with CKD and hypertension are the most susceptible, possibly due to diminished renal reserve and exacerbating effects of treatment with diuretics and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockers. Proactive management of these unique pharmacologic and physiologic factors is necessary to prevent AKI in this vulnerable population.

Risk of adverse outcomes following urinary tract infection in older people with renal impairment: Retrospective cohort study using linked health record data

BACKGROUND

Few studies have investigated the risk of adverse outcomes in older people with renal impairment presenting to primary care with a urinary tract infection (UTI). The aim of this study was to determine the risk of adverse outcomes in patients aged ≥65 years presenting to primary care with a UTI, by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and empirical prescription of nitrofurantoin versus trimethoprim.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

This was a retrospective cohort study using linked health record data from 795,484 patients from 393 general practices in England, who were aged ≥65 years between 2010 and 2016. Patients were entered into the cohort if they presented with a UTI and had a creatinine measurement in the 24 months prior to presentation. We calculated an eGFR to estimate risk of adverse outcomes by renal function, and propensity-score matched patients with eGFRs <60 mL/minute/1.73 m2 to estimate risk of adverse outcomes between those prescribed trimethoprim and nitrofurantoin. Outcomes were 14-day risk of reconsultation for urinary symptoms and same-day antibiotic prescription (proxy for treatment nonresponse), hospitalisation for UTI, sepsis, or acute kidney injury (AKI), and 28-day risk of death. Of 123,607 eligible patients with a UTI, we calculated an eGFR for 116,945 (95%). Median age was 76 (IQR, 70-83) years and 32,428 (28%) were male. Compared to an eGFR of >60 mL/minute/1.73 m2, patients with an eGFR of <60 mL/minute/1.73 m2 had greater odds of hospitalisation for UTI (adjusted odds ratios [ORs] ranged from 1.14 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.28, p = 0.028], for eGFRs of 45-59, to 1.68 [95% CI 1.01-2.82, p < 0.001] for eGFRs <15) and AKI (adjusted ORs ranged from 1.57 [95% CI 1.29-1.91, p < 0.001], for eGFRs of 45-59, to 4.53 [95% CI 2.52-8.17, p < 0.001] for eGFRs <15). Compared to an eGFR of >60 mL/minute/1.73 m2, patients with an eGFR <45 had significantly greater odds of hospitalisation for sepsis, and those with an eGFR <30 had significantly greater odds of death. Compared to trimethoprim, nitrofurantoin prescribing was associated with lower odds of hospitalisation for AKI (ORs ranged from 0.62 [95% CI 0.40-0.94, p = 0.025], for eGFRs of 45-59, to 0.45 [95% CI 0.25-0.81, p = 0.008] for eGFRs <30). Nitrofurantoin was not associated with greater odds of any adverse outcome. Our study lacked data on urine microbiology and antibiotic-related adverse events. Despite our design, residual confounding may still have affected some of our findings.

CONCLUSIONS

Older patients with renal impairment presenting to primary care with a UTI had an increased risk of UTI-related hospitalisation and death, suggesting a need for interventions that reduce the risk of these adverse outcomes. Nitrofurantoin prescribing was not associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes in patients with an eGFR <60 mL/minute/1.73 m2 and could be used more widely in this population.

A Case of Anti-Glomerular Basement Membrane Glomerulonephritis Complicated by Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, Mimicking Urinary Tract Infection

BACKGROUND Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) tends to complicate other autoimmune diseases. When considering renal dysfunction in patients with DM, diabetic nephropathy is a likely diagnosis. By contrast, anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) glomerulonephritis, an autoimmune disease, is one cause of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. CASE REPORT We report the case of a 44-year-old woman diagnosed with anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) glomerulonephritis. The diagnosis was made on the basis of serological test results and pathological findings of a renal biopsy. Five years before admission, she was diagnosed with type 1 DM. At admission, she presented with a fever, chills, nausea, low back pain, and malaise, which were followed by progressive renal dysfunction. The initial presentation mimicked a urinary tract infection, which delayed the correct diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Our patient's course strongly suggests that rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis should be considered as an early differential diagnosis in cases of progressive renal dysfunction, especially when accompanied by fever, regardless of the underlying disease.

Infections in the spinal cord-injured population: a systematic review

STUDY DESIGN

Spinal cord injury (SCI) patients are an increasing population due to recent military conflicts. SCI patients are at an increased risk of infection, but the epidemiology management and prevention strategies for these infections are unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To review the incidence, microbiology and management of pneumonia, skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI), urinary tract infections (UTI) and bloodstream infections in the SCI population via literature review.

METHODS

With the assistance of an experienced medical librarian, we developed a search strategy for the Ovid MEDLINE database and then adapted it for the Ovid Embase, Scopus and Web of Science databases. The databases were searched from their inception to April 2014 with no restrictions on language or time period. Data were extracted using a standardized form. All studies were reviewed by two independent investigators.

RESULTS

Forty-one studies reporting on the described infections were identified. UTIs were the most commonly identified infections, but studies failed to identify consistently effective preventive strategies. SSTIs were also common, and the best preventive strategies focused on decubitus ulcer prevention and skin decolonization protocols. Pneumonia management and course were not significantly different from the general population. Bloodstream infections were associated with delays in recognition, and were most often secondary to UTI, pneumonia or SSTI.

CONCLUSION

There is a paucity of literature on consistently effective infection prevention strategies in SCI patients. Identification and implementation of evidence-based interventions that optimize prevention and management of infections in this patient population are needed.

Bacteremic Urinary Tract Infection Caused by Multidrug-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Are Associated With Severe Sepsis at Admission: Implication for Empirical Therapy

The purpose of this study is to compare the clinical features and treatment outcomes among patients with bacteremic urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) and non-MDR Enterobacteriaceae and to identify whether MDR pathogens were independently associated with severe sepsis or septic shock at presentation.The clinical data of adult patients visiting and being treated at Chia-Yi Christian Hospital due to bacteremic UTI caused by Enterobacteriaceae from January 2006 to August 2015 were retrospectively analyzed.A total of 585 patients were enrolled. Among them, 220 (37.6%) were caused by the MDR Enterobacteriaceae. A total of 206 patients (35.2%) developed severe sepsis or septic shock at presentation. Patients in the MDR group tend to be male and have a past history of gout, recurrent UTI, prior hospitalization, hydronephrosis, renal stone, ureteral stone, indwelling urinary catheter, newly development of renal dysfunction, severe sepsis or septic shock, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, receipt of ineffective empirical therapy, longer hospital stay, and higher in-hospital mortality (2.7% vs 1.9%, P = 0.569). Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, it is revealed that independent predictors associated with severe sepsis or septic shock at presentation were liver cirrhosis (OR 2.868; 95% CI 1.439-5.716; P = 0.003), indwelling urinary catheter (OR 1.936; 95% CI 1.238-3.027; P = 0.004), and MDR Enterobacteriaceae (OR 1.447; 95% CI 1.002-2.090; P = 0.049).Multidrug resistance was associated with the development of severe sepsis or septic shock upon presentation among patients with bacteremic UTI caused by Enterobacteriaceae. Therefore, empirical antibiotics therapy for patients with UTI presented with severe sepsis and/or septic shock should be more broad-spectrum to effectively cover MDR Enterobacteriaceae.