There are many risk factors for catheter-associated urinary tract infections, including the ward in which the catheter insertion takes place, according to a study published in the American Journal of Infection Control.
To analyze the epidemiology of CAUTIs, researchers surveilled patients who had been admitted to a surgical ward in Central Italy and catheterized for at least 48 hours. The researchers analyzed the place of catheter insertion — operating room, hospital ward, cystoscopy room, emergency care unit — indication for catheterization and its duration, among other risk factors.
More than 640 catheterized patients were monitored for CAUTI onset, 40 of which actually developed an infection. The following factors tended to be associated with CAUTI development in the patients.
- Catheterization located outside the operating room — 75 percent
- Lengthy hospitalization and catheterization duration (four days or longer) — 72.5 percent
- Advanced age (over 65) — 60 percent
The following micro-organisms were also commonly isolated in CAUTIs, 82.5 percent of which were resistant to different classes of antibiotics:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa — 41.5 percent
- Klebsiella pneumoniae — 19.5 percent
- Escherichia coli — 12.2 percent
The study authors concluded, "These results highlight the role played by the setting of catheter insertion in CAUTIs onset, therefore reflecting the importance of hand hygiene and proper aseptic insertion techniques as crucial determinants in CAUTIs prevention."
More articles on CAUTIs:
Parkland slashes CLABSI, CAUTI, SSI rates through HAI reduction program
University of Missouri Health Care uses EHRs to reduce CAUTIs
Which states performed the worst on CAUTI reduction?