Management and outcome of positive urine cultures in a neonatal intensive care unit.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to describe the management and outcome of positive urine cultures in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).


METHODS
A chart review was completed of infants born October 1, 2004 to December 31, 2006 and admitted to the NICU at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta with any growth of bacteria or fungi in urine.


RESULTS
Positive urine cultures were obtained in 64 of 2936 admissions (2%) and were classified as contaminated urines (n=34), possible urinary tract infection (UTI) (n=14), definite UTI (n=10), and candidal UTI (n=6). Management was inconsistent. Two children required new assisted ventilation but no other complications occurred.


CONCLUSIONS
The diagnosis of UTI in NICU is hampered by use of urine collection methods that are subject to contamination. Outcome is generally excellent, but there is a great need for guidelines on management of positive urine cultures in the NICU.
Stollery Children's Hospital and University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Denise
D
Clarke
Manjula
M
Gowrishankar
Philip
P
Etches
Bonita E
BE
Lee
Joan L
JL
Robinson
D001419:Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005658:Fungi / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000652:urine*