Clinical symptoms predictive of recurrent urinary tract infections.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical predictors that will help diagnose women with recurrent urinary tract infections among women with irritative voiding symptoms.

STUDY

DESIGN

A case control study was performed. Cases were women with the diagnosis of recurrent urinary tract infection and controls were women with irritative voiding symptoms. Symptoms predictive for recurrent urinary tract infection were evaluated.

RESULTS

Report of symptoms following intercourse (OR 12.4, 95% CI 3, 59), prior history of pyelonephritis (OR 7.4, 95% CI 2.1; 29), prompt resolution of symptoms with antibiotics (OR 3.9, 95 % CI 1.4, 11), and absence of nocturia (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.05, 0.87) are significant predictors for women with recurrent urinary tract infection.

CONCLUSION

Among women with irritative voiding symptoms, clinical symptoms can help to identify women with recurrent urinary tract infections at the initial presentation even if urine culture reports are not available.