[Causes of urinary tract infection and its prevention in patients with indwelling urinary catheter: report of 152 cases].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the causes of urinary tract infections occurring in patients with indwelling urinary catheter, and to find the preventive means against this condition.

METHODS

The clinical data of 152 such cases admitted between March, 2000 and February, 2002 in our department were reviewed.

RESULTS

In this group of patients, 57 (37.5%) developed urinary infections due to the indwelling catheter, a rate significantly lower than that among previous cases (46.6%, P < 0.05) treated in our department.

CONCLUSION

Careful evaluation of the indications for indwelling urinary catheter, strict aseptic procedures and shortened indwelling time of the catheter may help prevent the occurrence of the infection.