From the Guidelines
Yes, a person can develop sepsis from a urinary tract infection (UTI). Sepsis occurs when the body has an extreme response to an infection, which can happen when bacteria from a UTI enter the bloodstream 1. This progression is more likely in people with untreated or severe UTIs, weakened immune systems, older adults, pregnant women, or those with urinary tract abnormalities or blockages. According to the European Association of Urology guidelines, common factors associated with complicated urinary tract infections include obstruction at any site in the urinary tract, urinary tract infection in males, pregnancy, diabetes mellitus, and immunosuppression 1.
Risk Factors and Prevention
The risk of developing sepsis from a UTI can be increased by several factors, including:
- Untreated or severe UTIs
- Weakened immune systems
- Older adults
- Pregnant women
- Urinary tract abnormalities or blockages
- Diabetes mellitus
- Immunosuppression
To prevent UTI-related sepsis, it's crucial to:
- Seek prompt treatment for UTI symptoms (burning during urination, frequent urination, cloudy urine)
- Complete the full course of prescribed antibiotics
- Stay hydrated
- Practice good hygiene
Treatment and Management
Treatment for sepsis typically involves hospitalization, intravenous antibiotics like ceftriaxone, vancomycin, or piperacillin-tazobactam, IV fluids, and sometimes vasopressors to maintain blood pressure 1. Empirical broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy against Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococci in association with adequate and timely source control is recommended in case of IUTI with signs of infection, sepsis, or septic shock 1.
Key Recommendations
- Prompt treatment for UTI symptoms is crucial to prevent sepsis.
- Complete the full course of prescribed antibiotics to ensure effective treatment.
- Stay hydrated and practice good hygiene to reduce the risk of UTIs and sepsis.
- Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms of sepsis occur, as it can lead to organ failure and death if not treated quickly.
From the Research
Urinary Tract Infections and Sepsis
- A person can become septic after a urinary tract infection (UTI), especially if the infection is complicated or left untreated 2.
- Complicated UTIs have a higher risk of treatment failure and often require longer antimicrobial treatment courses, which can increase the risk of sepsis development 2.
- The risk of sepsis is higher in patients with underlying medical conditions, such as immunodeficiency, or in those with urinary tract anatomical abnormalities or devices 2.
Prevention of Sepsis in UTIs
- Prevention of sepsis relies on prompt and timely diagnosis of UTI, early identification of the causative organism, removal of obstructions and source control, and proper and adequate empirical/targeted antimicrobial treatment 2.
- Source control, such as removal of urinary obstructions, infected stents, urinary catheters, nephrostomies, and drainage of hydronephrosis/abscess, is essential for preventing the development and progression of sepsis 2.
Treatment of UTIs
- Antimicrobial therapy is usually indicated for the treatment of UTIs, with the choice of antibiotic depending on the severity and complexity of the infection, as well as the patient's medical history and allergy status 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Commonly used antibiotics for UTIs include sulfonamides, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, nitrofurantoin, and fluoroquinolones, although the choice of antibiotic may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the infection 3, 4, 5, 6.