Acute pyelonephritis: risk factors, diagnosis and treatment.

Pyelonephritis is an acute urological condition that involves infection of one or both kidneys. The condition is not generally associated with high levels of mortality, but patients can become acutely ill and experience severe pain. Early recognition and treatment of pyelonephritis may limit morbidity. This article identifies patients at increased risk of pyelonephritis and discusses appropriate strategies to prevent serious complications.