Effect on uropathogens of prophylaxis for urinary tract infection in spinal cord injured patients: preliminary study

Spinal Cord. 1997 Sep;35(9):605-7. doi: 10.1038/sj.sc.3100456.

Abstract

Spinal cord injured patients are highly prone to urinary tract infections. The high frequency of recurrences, the problems with drug resistance and the difficulties associated with diagnosis complicate the management. In a preliminary retrospective study of 30 patient files, we discovered that prophylactic antimicrobial therapy with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, significantly reduced the incidence of symptomatic urinary tract infections. The prevention of infection resulted in cheaper healthcare expenses than treatment. ONe problematic outcome was that antibiotic therapy resulted in a dramatic change in the population of uropathogens infecting the host, from a predominantly Gram negative type to one dominated by Enterococcus faecalis.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anti-Infective Agents, Urinary / adverse effects
  • Anti-Infective Agents, Urinary / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Costs and Cost Analysis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / complications*
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / microbiology
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / urine
  • Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination / economics
  • Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination / therapeutic use
  • Urinary Catheterization
  • Urinary Tract Infections / complications
  • Urinary Tract Infections / microbiology*
  • Urinary Tract Infections / prevention & control*

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents, Urinary
  • Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination