Characteristics and epidemiological changes for patients with urinary tract infection in the emergency department

Background. The aim of this paper is to determine both the prevalence of urinary tract infection (UTI) in the emergency department (ED) and the most relevant epidemiological changes in the last decade, as well as the profile and management of these patients. Methods. Descriptive cross-sectional analysis at 49 Spanish ED during 12 months. All patients with infections and UTI diagnosis were included. All patients attended to in ED during the study were recorded as well. Results. The study included 2,517 patients diagnosed with UTI, with a mean age of 55 (SD 23) years, 64.6% of whom were women. These patients represent 22% of infections in the ED and 3.2% of all patients in the ED. Thirty-six per cent were over 70 years old. Fifty one point nine per cent had some underlying disease (16.5% diabetes mellitus) and 32.7% had some risk factors for multi-resistant strains of bacteria. Eight point three per cent met sepsis criteria. Seventy-one point nine per cent of patients were directly discharged from the ED. Conclusions. UTI are very common infections in ED, with important associated comorbidities, high mean ages and a predominance in women. With respect to a decade before UTI has increased its prevalence (3.2% vs 2.1%) and the patients have a greater age [55.5 (SD 23) vs 52 (SD 22) years], more comorbidities (51.9% vs 40.6%) and clinical severity (8.3% vs 6.5%).