Significance of asymptomatic bacteriuria in neurogenic bladder disease.

Whether or not to treat bacteriuria (greater than or equal to 100,000 col/cc) in the asymptomatic patient has long been controversial. Fifty-two patients with uncomplicated neurogenic bladder disease secondary to spinal cord injury and bacteriuria were followed throughout their hospitalization. Antibiotics were reserved only for symptomatic patients. Our results indicate the value of no treatment for chronic bacteriuria as an alternative to chronic suppressive therapy.