ASYMPTOMATIC BACTERIURIA IN PATIENTS WITH HIP ARTHROPLASTY

Abstract

Introduction: There are descriptions in the medical literature of asymptomatic bacteriurias in 30% of post-menopausal women.

Purpose: To analyze the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria and the risk of blood-route dissemination in patients undergoing elective hip arthroplasty.

Patients and Methods: All asymptomatic patients undergoing surgical hip arthroplasty between January 15, 2007 and March 30, 2007 were included. There was a total of 45 patients of 65.9 +/−12.9 (range: 33–85) years of age, out of which 23 (51.1%) were male. A urine test was administered on admission (12 hours before surgery). Normal analysis: density< 1.006/> 1.030; pH< 4.6/> 7.0; leucocytes and/or positive nitrites; sediment with bacteriuria, piouria and/or > 5 leucocytes/field. If the urine analysis was abnormal, a preoperative quantitative uroculture was carried out. If < 10000 CFUs/ml, no UTI (urinary tract infection); if > 10000 but < 100000, a new urine culture was performed; if > 100000 CFUs, diagnosis of UTI, specific oral antibiotics were administered for 7 days postoperatively. None of the patients underwent urethra catheterization. All received cefazoline 1g i.v/8 hours for 48 hours postoperatively.

Results: Loss to follow-up: 0 patients. Normal analysis: 12/45(26.7%) patients of 73.8+/−8.5 (55–85) years of age, 12 females (100.0%). In 1 of these 12 patients (8.3%) (1/45 or 2.2% of the total series) the urine culture was positive for Pseudomona aeruginosa. Up to the current time none of these 45 patients has developed signs of infection in their arthroplasty.

Conclusions:

• (1) Women undergoing elective hip arthroplasty frequently have abnormal preoperative urine analysis.

• (2) Asymptomatic urinary infection is only detected in a small percentage of patients that undergo programmed hip arthroplasty.

• (3) No hip prosthesis infection has been seen during follow-up up to the current time.