Urinary Tract Infection

Overview

Infection of the urinary tract is common and more so in women (due to shorter urethra and hormonal changes). UTIs may be classified as either a lower (Cystitis, urethritis and Prostatitis) or upper UTI (pyelonephritis). The main causative agents are bacteria such as E-coli. A lower UTI can progress to an upper UTI causing systemic symptoms and acute loin pain.

Kidney Anatomy

The urinary system consists of:

• Kidneys
• Ureters
• Bladder
• Urethra

The kidneys are retroperitoneal bean shaped organs thats sits between veretbral levels T11-L3, the left kidney sitting slightly higher then the right kidney.

The kidneys is divided into three sections:

• Renal cortex – renal arches and renal columns
• Renal Medulla – pyramids, papillae, major calyx, minor calyx
• Renal Sinus – Pelvis, renal vessels and lymphatics

Arterial Supply

• Aorta → Renal artery (L2) → Segmental artery → Interlobular artery → Cortical radiate artery → Afferent Arteriole → GLOMERULUS

Venous Drainage

• GLOMERULUS → Efferent arteriole (has branches forming the Vasa recta) → Arcuate vein → Interlobar vein → Renal Vein → Inferior vena cava

Nephrons 

• Functional units of Kidneys
• Nephron’s are structurally divided into two types:
  • Cortical
  • Juxtamedullary

Ureters arenarrow muscular tube that transport urine to the bladder. There are three narrowed areas of each ureter:

• Ureteropelvic junction
• Ureteral segment
• Ureterovesical junction

Bladder is a muscular organ which holds urine. The wall of the bladder comprises of four layers:

• Adventitia
• Detrusor muscle
• lamina propria
• Urothelium – specialised transitional cell epithelium (can stretch)

Urethra Arisis from the base of the bladder and is the passageway through which urine is discharged from the body. The female urethra is much shorter (3-4cm) than the male urethra (18+cm)

Risk Factors

Clinical Manifestation

Clinical Presentation – lower urinary tract infection

• Dysuria
• Frequency
• Urgency
• Nocturia
• Haematuria
• Suprapubic discomfort

Clinical Presentation – upper urinary tract infection

• Loin pain
• Fever
• Nausea/Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• General malaise

Differential Diagnosis

• Pancreatitis
• Gallstone Disease
• Appendicitis
• Nephrolithiasis
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
• DKA

Investigations and Diagnosis

• FBC
• EUC
• LFT
• CRP
• Urinalysis
• Microscopy, culture and sensitivity
• Blood cultures – should be done for patients with pyelonephritis

Diagnosis

• Pyuria and bacteriuria in a carefully collected specimen of urine (midstream)
• Microscopy, culture and sensitivity will confirm diagnosis and severity and guide antibiotic treatment

Treatment

Lower UTI

• Oral Antibiotic treatment for 1-2 weeks (Men 2 weeks recommended)
• Hydration
• Paracetamol – for pain

Upper UTI

• IV Antibiotic treatment first few days (in hospital)
• Oral antibiotics for ~10 days +/-
• Hydration
• Paracetamol – for pain

Complications and Prognosis

Complications

• Pyelonephritis
• Pre-term delivery
• Urinary Retention
• Recurrent UTI
• Prostatitis
• Sepsis
• Renal Abscess

Prognosis

• Prognosis UTI in women and men is excellent. With appropriate antimicrobial treatment and resolution of symptoms, there is unlikely to be long-term sequelae.
• Acute cystitis is common, many patients will eventually have a recurrence. If the patient has a recurrence of the symptoms within 1 month of the treatment, urinalysis and cultures are indicated to verify the diagnosis and to guide therapy.

References

Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine
Nickel, J.C. (2005) Practical management of recurrent urinary tract infections in premenopausal women. Reviews of Urology, vol 7 (1), 11-17.
Australian Doctor – renal stones
Australian Family Physician – Urinary stone disease
BMJ: http://bestpractice.bmj.com.ipacez.nd.edu.au/best-practice/monograph/225/diagnosis/history-and-examination.html
Davidson’s Principles and Practices of Medicine