Management of urinary tract infection in geriatric hospital patients

ABSTRACT

As the elderly population increases, so does the prevalence of urinary tract infections in the elderly population in long-term care facilities and the associated medical costs. Screening tests and treatment for asymptomatic bacteriuria in elderly residents in the community or in long-term care facilities are not recommended. However, febrile urinary tract infections should be treated with proper antibiotics. Patients who have risk factors for urinary tract infections require prompt therapy. Catheter-associated bacteriuria is the most common hospital-acquired infection. The most important risk factor associated with an increased likelihood of developing catheter-associated bacteriuria is the duration of catheterization. Long-term catheter indwelling should be avoided, and it is necessary to reduce unnecessary catheter insertion. Most patients are asymptomatic, and they do not require treatment. Symptomatic catheter-associated infections should be treated. The best strategy for reducing catheter-associated infections involves careful aseptic insertion of the catheter and maintenance of a closed dependent drainage system. Steps must be taken to reduce urinary tract infections and urinary catheter-related infections in light of the increasing elderly population.