Comparison of long-term indwelling catheters and bed-pads in the treatment of urinary incontinence in elderly patients.
Bed-pads and long-term indwelling catheters were compared in the treatment of urinary incontinence in two groups of eight elderly bedridden women. The same silicone catheter could be left in situ on average for 2 months. A detailed description of the changes of urinary bacterial flora in patients of both experimental groups is given. At the end of the 6 months' study all of the patients in both groups had significant bacteriuria (greater than or equal to 10(8) CFU/1), Proteus species being the most common pathogen in catheterised patients. The development of multiple resistance was observed in both groups, but it was more pronounced in the catheterised group. The indwelling catheter was more economical (P less than 0.001), but carried a higher risk of infection.
D000368:Aged; D001512:Bedding and Linens / Q000191:economics; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007710:Klebsiella Infections / Q000209:etiology; D011512:Proteus Infections / Q000209:etiology; D011552:Pseudomonas Infections / Q000209:etiology; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000628:therapy*