Online ISSN: 2515-8260

Comprehensive Analysis of Comorbidities, Laboratory Profiles, and Etiologies of Urinary Tract Infections in the Elderly Population: A Research Perspective

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Himika Dalia, Ishwinder S Sehgal, Arushi Dalia, Sourav Bansal

Abstract

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and asymptomatic bacteriuria are frequently observed in the elderly. In geriatric patients admitted to healthcare facilities, the susceptibility to UTIs arises from diverse factors, encompassing anatomical and hormonal alterations as well as the presence of conditions such as diabetes mellitus and neurological or urological abnormalities. Accurately diagnosing UTIs is often challenging due to the nonspecific nature of symptoms, leading to frequent misdiagnosis. The connection between falls and UTIs remains a subject of debate, although falls are commonly cited as a rationale for urine testing. Methods: This study is a retrospective analysis of 194 urinary tract infection (UTI) cases in elderly individuals admitted to the department. The diagnosis of UTI was established by assessing clinical features, conducting blood and urine examinations, and employing radiological evaluations. It is important to note that this research is retrospective, observational, non-comparative, non-randomized, and analytical. The analysis primarily involved descriptive statistical methods to examine and report the characteristics of the cases under consideration. Results: The predominant risk factor identified in this study is diabetes mellitus. Clinical indicators include pyuria, leucocytosis, renal injury, and elevated C-reactive protein levels. Gram-negative organisms emerged as the primary causative agents. Radiological examinations revealed various findings, such as prostatomegaly, pyelonephritis, renal or ureteric calculi, and polycystic kidneys. These results contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the manifestations and underlying factors associated with urinary tract infections in the elderly population under consideration. Conclusion: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in the elderly manifest with either typical or atypical features. Distinguishing between asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) and UTI poses a substantial diagnostic challenge for older individuals. This demographic frequently exhibits multiple comorbidities and geriatric syndromes. After excluding alternative sources of infection, healthcare providers initiate treatment, which contributes to reducing both morbidity and mortality associated with UTIs in the elderly.

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