ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the concept that increased post-void residual urine volume (PVR) is a risk factor for bacteriuria. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Three nursing homes in Jönköping, southern Sweden. SUBJECTS: A total of 147 elderly residents in municipal nursing homes. MAIN OUTCOME VALUES: PVR volumes measured with a portable ultrasonic bladder scan, urine specimen, and questionnaire data on incontinence, immobility, impaired cognition, neurological diseases, and medications. RESULTS: Mean age was 86 years and 78% were women. The prevalence of a PVR for the four chosen cut-off values (30, 50, 100, and 150 ml) was 51%, 39%, 20%, and 7%, respectively. The prevalence of bacteriuria was 42%, 46% for women and 28% for men. Elevated PVR was not associated with bacteriuria, incontinence, immobility, impaired cognition or neurological disease (stroke, Parkinson's disease). CONCLUSION: Bacteriuria and elevated PVR are common among elderly residents in nursing homes. The study could not confirm that elevated PVR predisposes to bacteriuria in elderly residents in nursing homes.
