Unplanned Healthcare Encounters in Drug-Resistant Urinary Tract Infections in Emergency Departments

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-1-2025

Publication Title

Cureus

Abstract

Introduction: The treatment of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing urinary tract infections (UTIs) in the emergency department (ED) is challenging due to the limited oral treatment options available. The purpose of this study was to describe the treatment and outcomes of ESBL UTIs in the ED and to determine risk factors associated with secondary UTI-related unplanned healthcare encounters.

Methods: This was an institutional review board (IRB)-approved, retrospective cohort study of patients discharged from the ED with an ESBL UTI. The primary outcome was any UTI-related unplanned healthcare encounter within 30 days of the index ED visit. Unplanned healthcare encounters included phone/virtual visits, clinic visits, ED visits, and hospitalizations. Patients of ≥ 18 years of age treated for symptomatic UTI were included. Logistic regression was used to identify exposures independently associated with UTI-related unplanned healthcare encounters.

Results: A total of 162 patients were included, of which 103 (64%) experienced an unplanned healthcare encounter. The most common UTIs were complicated lower (71, 44%), complicated upper (57, 35%), catheter-related (24, 15%), and uncomplicated cystitis (10, 6%). Nitrofurantoin demonstrated to have in vitro activity in 121 (75%) patients, aminoglycosides in 117 (72%) patients, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) in 66 (41%) patients, and fluoroquinolones in 62 (38%) patients. Of the 103 patients who experienced an unplanned healthcare encounter, 76 (74%) received inactive empiric antibiotic treatment. Oral β-lactams were most commonly prescribed, accounting for 66 (41%) of all initial prescriptions. Of the 81 patients with lower UTI, only 20 (25%) received a prescription for nitrofurantoin. Factors associated with UTI-related unplanned healthcare encounters included chronic kidney disease (CKD) (adjusted odds ratio {adjOR}, 3.4; 95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.2-9.5) and empiric oral β-lactam use (adjOR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.5-6.6).

Conclusions: Patients with CKD or who received empiric oral β-lactam treatment more commonly experienced an ESBL UTI-related unplanned healthcare encounter. Prescribing first-line therapy with nitrofurantoin for lower UTI is a potential area for improvement.

Medical Subject Headings

antibiotic resistance; antimicrobial stewardship; emergency department; esbl; urinary tract infection

PubMed ID

40589684

Volume

17

Issue

5

First Page

85138

Last Page

85138

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