Is urethral catheterization a successful alternative to suprapubic aspiration in neonates?
OBJECTIVE
To compare urine collection by urethral catheterization with suprapubic aspiration in a neonatal intensive care unit.


METHODS
All urine collections were documented, the collection methods attempted recorded and success rates calculated. The incidence of contaminated specimens was determined. The infants ranged in weight from 570 g to 4180 g and in gestation from 24 to 44 weeks.


RESULTS
Thirty-two out of 65 (49%) suprapubic aspirations were successful. Overall 33/42 (77%) of catheterizations were successful, 12/18 (67%) were successful when following an unsuccessful SPA. No SPA was contaminated compared to 7/22 (22%) of the catheter specimens. Urinary tract infection was present in 4/63 (6.3%) infants. There were no complications following catheterization.


CONCLUSIONS
Urethral catheterization is a useful and safe alternative to suprapubic aspiration, but suprapubic aspiration remains the method of first choice.
Austin
B J
BJ
Department of Paediatrics, National Women's Hospital, Epsom, New Zealand.
Bollard
C
C
Gunn
T R
TR
D003559:Cystostomy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D015931:Intensive Care, Neonatal; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D013396:Suction / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000382:microbiology / Q000652:urine*