Confusion Strongly Associated with Antibiotic Prescribing Due to Suspected Urinary Tract Infections in Nursing Homes

• ObjectivesTo quantify the prevalence of documented urinary tract infection (UTI), nonspecific symptoms, and antibiotic treatment of suspected UTI in nursing homes (NHs) in the tropics and to describe the typical resident likely to receive antibiotic treatment for suspected UTI and factors associated with the development of confusion, fatigue, and restlessness. MeasurementsChartreviews of NH residents between August 28, 2015, and June 21, 2016, to determine the prevalence of documented UTI, new or worsening nonspecific and specific symptoms that are specific or nonspecific to the urinary tract, antibiotic use, medical conditions, and medication factors. ResultsUTI accounted for 33% of all current infections treated with antibiotics and 40% of all infections treated with antibiotics within the last 30days. One in 5 NH residents had received antibiotics within the last 30days, of which 45% were for UTI. The most significant factors independently associated with antibiotics for UTI were urinary catheter (OR=13, 95% CI=2.4-67, P=.003), urinary frequency (OR=10, 95% CI=2.2-47, P=.003), fever (OR=10, 95% CI=1.3-85, P=.028), new-onset hypotension (OR=10, 95% CI=1.4-73, P=.024), and confusion (OR=8.9, 95% CI=3.1-26, P<.001). Of these, confusion was the most prevalent factor in the population. ConclusionUTI is commonly documented in NH residents, with new or worsening confusion being one of the strongest factors associated with antibiotic treatment for suspected UTI.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Geriatrik (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Geriatrics (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Allmänmedicin (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- General Practice (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Infektionsmedicin (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Infectious Medicine (hsv//eng)

Keyword

urinary tract infection

confusion

antibiotics

nursing homes

term-care facilities

asymptomatic bacteriuria

residents

surveillance

criteria

definitions

adults

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)