Closing the loop on catheter-associated urinary tract infections: A prospective risk assessment and scoring system for the early prediction and prevention of catheter-associated urinary tract infection.

BACKGROUND

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) are among the most common healthcare-associated infections, particularly in hospitalised patients requiring prolonged catheterisation. Despite standard protocols, preventable lapses in catheter care and clinical practices contribute to the incidence of these infections.

AIMS AND

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to identify significant risk factors and develop a point-based CAUTI Risk Scoring System for early prediction and intervention.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A prospective observational study was conducted over six months at a tertiary care hospital, including 100 catheterized adult inpatients. Demographic data, Clinical variables, and catheter practices were documented. CAUTI was confirmed by urine culture. A risk stratification model was developed by assigning weighted scores to statistically significant variables, categorising patients into low, moderate, and high CAUTI risk groups. A domain-wise heatmap visually represented the novelty and interdisciplinary relevance of the study's contributions across ten clinical research domains.

RESULTS

Among the 26% of study participants who had CAUTI overall, the important procedural predictors were open-type drainage systems (p < 0.00001), kinking of catheter tubing (p < 0.00001), and raised urobag placement (p < 0.00001). Clinical risk variables included diabetes mellitus (p = 0.00001), catheter duration greater than 7 days (p = 0.0043), female sex (p = 0.0023), and immobility (p = 0.0014). Strong early signals included turbid urine (p = 0.00004) and unexplained fever (p = 0.00001). A cumulative risk rating system placed patients into low (0-3), moderate (4-6), and high-risk (≥7) categories.

CONCLUSIONS

This study presents the first validated CAUTI Risk Scoring System, including clinical, procedural, and early bedside indicators. The scoring tool enables proactive intervention and serves as a necessary adjunct to infection prevention plans in hospital environments.