An evaluation of the management of asymptomatic catheter-associated bacteriuria and candiduria at The Ottawa Hospital.

BACKGROUND

Asymptomatic catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are common in hospitalized patients. They are associated with a low incidence of sequelae and morbidity, and in most patients resolve spontaneously on removal of the catheter. As a result, it is not recommended that asymptomatic catheter-associated bacteriuria or candiduria be treated with antimicrobial agents while the catheter remains in place because it may lead to the evolution of resistant flora.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the current management of patients with CAUTIs with respect to antimicrobial therapy at The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario.

METHODS

A prospective observational study over a period of 26 consecutive days was conducted at The Ottawa Hospital (General and Civic campuses) and the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. Inpatients with an indwelling catheter, a positive urine culture and the absence of UTI signs or symptoms were assessed. Patients were followed for five days to determine whether antimicrobials were prescribed.

RESULTS

From March 3 to March 28, 2003, 29 of 119 patients screened met inclusion criteria. Of these 29 patients, 15 (52%) were prescribed antimicrobials and were therefore considered to be inappropriately managed. Differences were observed between the appropriate and inappropriate management groups in terms of duration of stay to positive urine culture and whether yeast or bacteria were isolated from the culture.

CONCLUSION

Antimicrobial agents were prescribed in over one-half of CAUTI cases, contrary to recommendations from the literature. Education is required to bring this strongly supported recommendation into clinical practice.