[The significance of urinary tract infections in patients with cerebrovascular diseases during clinical rehabilitation].

In 361 patients with cerebral stroke a study of medical and neurological complications was undertaken. Among a total of 131 complications (36.2%) a striking incidence of urinary tract infections was seen: 83 cases (22.9%). Patients without complications had an average stay of 61.2 days in hospital, those with urinary tract infections had 77 days (p < 0.05). In patients with cerebrovascular accidents voiding dysfunctions are common. Great care must be taken to prevent complications: indwelling catheters should be used only over short periods of time. In case urinary drainage is needed over a long period of time, suprapubic catheterization should be preferred.