Hospital-acquired urinary tract infections in the pediatric patient: a prospective study

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 1994 Jan;13(1):8-12. doi: 10.1097/00006454-199401000-00003.

Abstract

To determine through a prospective study the characteristics of hospital-acquired urinary tract infections (HAUTI) in children, 525 children subjected to bladder catheterization during a hospital admission were identified through surveillance of 12,316 admissions during a 24-month period. Urine culture results were available for 296 (56.4%) of the catheterized patients. In addition 12 noncatheterized children with a documented HAUTI were identified. The clinical courses of all patients with a HAUTI were followed for at least 6 months after their last HAUTI during the study period. Forty-four patients, 1 week to 17 years of age, with 1 or more HAUTI during a hospital unit admission were identified. A total of 51 HAUTI occurred. Thirty-nine (76.5%) of the infections occurred in patients subjected to catheterization. Thirty-two (10.8%) of 296 catheterized patients developed a HAUTI. Forty-three (84.3%) of the 51 infections were single organism infections. One HAUTI was associated with a wound infection with the same organism and one with a concurrent bacteremia with the same organism. Relapses were seen after 4 HAUTI. One reinfection was identified. There were no deaths directly associated with a HAUTI. Hospitalized children subjected to urinary tract catheterization are at significant risk for HAUTI. Complications are infrequent and not life-threatening.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cross Infection / epidemiology*
  • Cross Infection / microbiology
  • Cross Infection / urine
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Prospective Studies
  • Urinary Catheterization / adverse effects*
  • Urinary Tract Infections / epidemiology*
  • Urinary Tract Infections / microbiology
  • Urinary Tract Infections / urine
  • Virginia / epidemiology